Objective To explore effect of dorsal thumb fascial flap in repairing soft tissue defect of thumb.

Methods A total of 36 patients with small area defect of thumb tip, lateral side, dorsal skin of finger or (and) nail bed from January 2014 to October 2019 were treated. There were 10 cases of dorsal and lateral skin or (and) nail bed tissue defect and 26 cases of fingertip defect, all of them had exposure of phalanges or tendon. The defect area was about 0.8 cm×1.0 cm to 1.5 cm×2.0 cm. The time from injury to operation was 3 h to 3 d, and all patients were performed flap repair of dorsal thumb. After the operation, the patients were regularly followed up by outpatient review, Wechat and telephone.

Results All patients were followed up for 3 to 6 months, with an average of 5 months. All the flaps survived, the color and texture of the flaps were similar to those of the surrounding skin, and the external appearance was full without obvious pigmentation and contracture. The shape and joint function recovered satisfactorily, patients were able to use his thumb for daily work and daily life. There was no obvious pain or dysfunction at the donor sites.

Conclusion Dorsal thumb fascia in repairing the small area defect of thumb tip, lateral side, dorsal skin of finger or (and) nail bed is stable in blood supply, satisfactory in efficacy, and easy in operation, and it has small trauma.