Neurosensory free flaps to the hand: Indications and donor selection

Restoration of sensibility is a major goal in reconstruction of the injured hand. When this objective cannot be met by conventional means, such as local tissue transfers, a neurosensory free flap may be considered. The first web space flap of the foot has been successfully used to provide discriminatory sensations to the digital tips and amputation stumps. Other flaps have been reported to restore protective sensibility to the injured upper extremity; however, more clinical experience is required to fully assess the reconstructive reality of many described neurosensory free flaps.