Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of modified skin flap nourished by dorsal digital nerves for the repair of distal finger skin and soft tissue defect. Methods Modified skin flap nourished by dorsal digital nerves was used in 25 patients (29 fingers) with distal finger skin and soft tissue defect. The size of skin and soft tissue defect was 0.8 cm×1.2 cm to 2.5 cm×4.0 cm. The efficacy was evaluated postoperatively. Results Of the 25 cases, there were 24 cases with skin flap survival, and the survival rate was 96.00%. Incision infection occurred in one case, and bloated skin flaps were observed in 5 cases. However, these six patients recovered after appropriate medication administration. The postoperative followup duration was (9.34±0.23) months. The appearance of skin flaps was red and glossy in all of the cases. All of the skin flaps were soft and elastic, and had good blood supply. The skin donor sites healed well. No obvious pigmentation was observed, and the normal length and appearance of fingers were preserved. The sensation of skin flaps was obviously improved. The twopoint discrimination was 4.5 to 7.0 mm. Conclusions Repair with modified skin flap nourished by dorsal digital nerves can provide exact efficacy and high safety for patients with distal finger skin and soft tissue defect.

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