Outcomes of Pedicled Tubed Groin Flaps in Coverage of Circumferential Degloving Skin loss of Fingers

Background: Avulsion of skin from the hand or fingers is an injury that has a dramatic presentation with significant challenge in reconstructive surgery due to the hand’s intricate anatomy and essential functional role. One of the main considerations in fingers reconstruction is the choice of an appropriate flap. Among the various flaps used in hand reconstruction, the pedicled groin flap has gained significant attention.Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess outcomes of groin pedicled tubed flaps as a method of reconstruction of circumferential degloving skin of fingers in terms of flap survival, sensibility, range of motion, aesthetic outcomes and wrist functions.Subjects & methods: This study was conducted on 20 patients who were recruited from the emergency room in Benha University Hospital presented during the period from September 2023 to September 2024 with finger’s circumferential degloving skin loss, Urbaniak class III and were treated by tubed groin flap. Assessment of the postoperative wrist, elbow and shoulder function according to DASH score questionnaire, flap survival, sensibility, range of motion, aesthetic outcomes. Results: There were 15 (75%) males and 5 (25%) females, their age ranged from 28 - 53 years. 13 cases (65%) presented after motor vehicle accidents, 4 cases (20%) after industrial accidents and 3 cases (15%) with avulsion injury. The duration of surgery ranged from 2 – 2.5 hours, and duration of treatment till complete healing of hand and groin wounds ranged from 42 – 77 days. Only 1 case (5%) had flap failure, marginal flap necrosis happened in 2 cases (10%), groin wound infection in 1 case (5%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the efficacy of tubed groin flaps in the reconstruction of circumferential skin loss of fingers which simple procedure, easy to be learnt, short operative duration and minimal effect on wrist function. Key words: groin flap, Tubed groin flap, Circumferential degloving injury of fingers. Ethical committee: Approval was obtained for this study from the Ethical Committee of Faculty of Medicine, Benha University. An informed written consent was obtained from all patients regarding surgical procedures and publication of their photos. Disclosure: No conflict of interest.