Introduction: Fingertip injuries are among the most common hand traumas, and the choice of reconstructive technique may influence pain, function, and digital appearance. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of palmar flap reconstruction for fingertip amputation and assess factors associated with postoperative outcome.
Materials & Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent palmar flap reconstruction from a hospital between 2016 and 2024 were reviewed in a retrospective cross-sectional observational study. Patient-reported outcomes including function, pain, and appearance were measured using a 10-point numeric rating scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Spearman rank correlation.
Results & Discussion: 50 patients with the mean age of 30.14 years with a standard deviation (SD) of 5.58, and 88% being male were studied. All injuries were industrial. The mean scores for appearance, pain, and function were 7.72, 7.72, and 8.26, respectively. No significant differences in outcomes were observed by sex or injured side. Pain scores were higher among patients with three injured fingers (p=0.031). Functional scores were significantly lower in injuries involving the fifth finger (p=0.007). Surgery performed more than 24 hours after injury was associated with higher pain scores (p=0.017), and a borderline trend toward poorer function with increasing surgical delay was observed (p=0.094).
Conclusion: In palmar flap reconstruction for fingertip amputation, the number of injured fingers, involvement of the fifth finger, and surgical delay are key factors associated with lower postoperative outcomes.