Patient satisfaction after innervated digital artery perforator flap for fingertip injuries

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the innervated digital artery perforator (IDAP) flap and to analyze the relationship between patient satisfaction and outcome measures.

Methods: A total of 17 fingertips of 15 patients (14 men and one woman; mean age: 47.2 (26-62) years) were included in this retrospective study. Patients’ injured finger and defect type were recorded. At the last follow-up, the static two-point discrimination (s2PD) test, Semmes Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test, and range of motion of the affected finger were analyzed. We interviewed patients to determine hand dominance, cold intolerance, and their satisfaction with the result. We performed correlation and logistic regression analyses between patient satisfaction and outcome measures.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 13.8 (7-18) months. The mean range of motion was 77.3±3.5 (70-80) degrees for the distal interphalangeal joints of affected fingers. The mean s2PD was 6.4 (3-10) mm, and the SWM records ranged from 2.83 to 4.93 monofilament markings. Cold intolerance was noted in seven fingers (41%). Patient satisfaction was negatively correlated with cold intolerance, and cold intolerance decreased as the follow-up period extended.

Conclusion: IDAP flap satisfies both patient and surgeon, with the only significant problem being cold intolerance, regarding which patients must be informed. Although cold intolerance is hard to treat, fortunately, it generally improves with time.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study

Cite this article as: Ayhan E, Çevik K, Çelik V, Eskandari MM. Patient satisfaction after an innervated digital artery perforator flap. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc 2020; 54(3): 269-75. DOI: 10.5152/j.aott.2020.03.1.