One-stage prosthetic dermal repair of skin defects in the donor area of the great toe nails flap

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Pelnac artificial skin one-stage surgical direct repair of significant toenail flap donor area defects.

Methods

From March 2020 to May 2023, a total of 56 patients with traumatic finger injuries underwent reconstruction using a great toenail flap combined with iliac bone grafting, along with one-stage artificial skin repair of the great toenail flap. These patients were followed prospectively, and their clinical outcomes were systematically evaluated.

Results

The average follow-up was 13.4 months (3 to 30 months). The visual analog scale for pain was 0.23±0.6, and the Vancouver scar scale (VAS) was 2.82±1.06. Among 56 patients, only one case developed postoperative infections. The aesthetic satisfaction of the donor area of the patient's foot was 87.10±5.48 points (out of 100 points). Regarding the sensory recovery, the response “normal or near normal” was obtained in 44 patients (78.6 %). The maximum active mobility of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joint in the donor area was 66.51±7.38°and 43.21±4.62°, respectively.

Conclusions

Given its low donor-site morbidity and favorable cosmetic and functional outcomes, one-stage reconstruction of donor site defects using artificial dermis represents an effective and clinically viable treatment option.