[Fingertip reconstruction with occlusive dressing: clinical results and biological analysis of the dressing content's].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the fingertip reconstruction with occlusive dressing and explore the mechanisms and the mediators of this "fingertip regeneration".

PATIENT AND METHODS: Nineteen patients who sustained a fingertip injury were treated with occlusive dressing. Two prospective studies: a clinical analysis of the aesthetics and the functional results, a biologic analysis of the dressings in order to search microorganisms, cytokines, and growth factors.

RESULTS: Among 15 patients reviewed, the healing was acquired in 2.7 weeks (2.5). The thickness of the fingertip was excellent in 30% and good in 70%. The Weber test was 3.8mm for the fingertip reconstruction against 3mm for the opposite side. The analysis of the dressing exudates brings to light a pullulement of saprophyte bacterium of the skin but also pathologic species, and presence of angiogenic factors (PDGF, VEGF, EGF).

CONCLUSIONS: The occlusive dressings remain a reliable and reproducible alternative for treatment of fingertip injuries in zone 1 and 2. This reconstruction seems to depend on bacterium pullulement and cellular growth factors liberation.