The Gigogne flap: an original technique for an optimal pulp reconstruction.

The reconstruction of digital pulp defects is still a challenge in hand surgery. Several reconstructive techniques are available, but in some cases, their advancement capacities are not sufficient for the flap to cover the whole defect. The Gigogne flap is a new, very simple and safe technique.

Temporary ectopic digital implantation: a clinical series of eight digits.

This paper reports our experience with temporary ectopic digital implantation. Four patients suffered 12 digital amputations with large defect over the proximal stumps. Only 8 digits were suitable for microsurgical salvage but the local conditions made direct replantation impossible.

[Why think about tendons allotransplantation in hand surgery in 1989?].

Two cases of a human vascularized allotransplant of a complete digital flexion system are reported with detailed descriptions of the dissection technique and postoperative treatment. Satisfactory functional results open new prospects for this type of transplantation surgery.

A fresh look at vascularized flexor tendon transfers: concept, technical aspects and results.

The authors present the results of their surgical experience based on an original approach in secondary reconstructing 71 flexor tendons of the hand. For 20 years, they have been using vascularized tendon transfers either islanded or as free transfers. Their techniques are based on extensive knowledge of the sliding mechanisms involved around the flexor tendons, for which the authors have developed new scientific explanations resulting from their observations and the fine analysis of movements.

[Salvage of digits replantations by direct arterial antithrombotic infusion].

At the end of the seventy, we saw the reconstructive microsurgery developed to such an extent that it became a new and an independent surgical specialty. The development of the microsurgical instrumentation and the description of the surgical anatomy allowed the application of this technology to the most complex plastic reconstructions and particularly to the replantation of the amputated digits, especially the very distal digital amputations. Nowadays, the indications of digital replantation are well-defined according to numerous parameters conditioning the anatomical result and the functional outcome.