Thumb reconstruction with free spliced bilateral fibular hallux nail flap: A case report / 中华显微外科杂志

A patient who suffered with degloving and destructive servered distal segment of the left thumb was referred to the Department of Hand Surgery, Ningbo No.6 Hospital in May 2021. The thumb was reconstructed by transfer and splicing of a free bilateral fibular hallux nail flap. Metatarsal artery of the metatarsal fibular side of the flap was anastomosed to the proper palmar digital artery at the recipient site. The nerve meridian were anastomosed to the proper palmar digital nerve of thumb, and the distal arterial arch of the metatarsal base between the flaps was anastomosed at the same time. A V-Y advancement flap was employed to repair the donor site. After 3 months, the transferred flaps survived well, the left thumb nail grew well, and the dynamic TPD was at 7 mm. According to the Evaluation Standard of Thumb and Finger Reconstruction Function of the Society of Hand Surgery of the Chinese Medical Association, it was evaluated as excellent (14 points). The advancement flap in the donor site survived well, and the walking, running and jumping of both feet were not affected. According to Maryland's foot function scoring standard, it was evaluated as excellent (98 points).

Literature research on the history of microsurgery in China: A difficult start (1960-1973) / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To sort out the history of microsurgery in China from 1960 to 1973 based on the literatures in chronological order.Methods:Chinese and English scientific journals and academic monographs published in public and in house were searched, and the words "microsurgery" and "microsurgery related" literatures in both Chinese and English were carefully read and analysed. The dates of operation, communication and report were recorded and confirmed.Results:Microsurgery in China started in early 1963, thanks to the report of the world's first successful severed limb replantation in Shanghai Sixth Hospital. In the following 3 years, many teams carried out experimental researches on microvascular technology and explored the replantation of severed fingers. In 1964, the world's first severed leg replantation. In 1966, the world's first toe transfer was operated to reconstruct the thumb, and the world's first batch of completely severed fingers were successfully replanted by microvascular suture. In 1972, it was reported, at the Guangzhou Conference on Replantation of Severed Limbs, that a 44.9% of survival rate had been achieved over 260 cases and the term "microsurgery" was used for the first time in the conference. In March, 1973, the second free inguinal flap transfer in the world was completed. In May, 1973, an American Replantation Mission visited China. It opened a precedent for academic exchange in microsurgery between China and foreign countries. With 10 years of clinical practices, the original and advanced Chinese limb (finger) replantation technology and principle had been recognised by the international peers.Conclusion:The research on the history of Chinese microsurgery has confirmed that the development of Chinese microsurgery was basically synchronised with the world, but with a difficult start in 1960-1973.

Emergency thumb reconstruction for traumatic thumb amputation with bone and tendon from the amputated part without replantation condition / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the feasibility of emergency thumb reconstruction for traumatic thumb amputation with bone and tendon from the amputated part, when the soft tissue is severely damaged and the amputated thumb is not replantable. Methods When the soft tissues of the amputated thumb was severely damaged and replantation was not applicable, thumb reconstruction as phase one emergency management was proceeded. The skin and nail bed of the amputated thumb was removed. The bone was in situ replanted, and the tendon was repaired. The nail flap from the ipsilateral toe was grafted and the bone and tendon was wrapped around to reconstruct the thumb. Results A total of 5 patients underwent surgical treatment. All reconstructed thumbs survived with an appearance similar to the contralateral sides. The patients were followed up for 10 months on average (range, 4 to 18 months). The result of two-point discrimination test was 10.1 mm on average (range, 9.2-12.0 mm). The preserved joints possessed partial function. The average range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint was 69.6° (range, 20° to 90°). The range of motion of interphalangeal joint was 15° and 20° in 2 patients, respectively. No infection or bone resorption occurred. The injury was healed successfully in 4 patients, and delayed union occurred in one patient. Conclusion Complete bone and tendon from the nonreplantable amputated part combined with wrap-around flap can be used for emergency thumb reconstruction and it can achieve good clinical results.

Reconstruction of thumb defect by transplanting second toe combined with hallucis flap: 9 cases report / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective@#To introduce the method for reconstruction of thumb defect by transplanting free flap of second toe combined with the hallucis flap.@*Methods@#From June, 2012 to February, 2017, a total of 9 cases of thumb defect were treated. The average age of these 9 patients was 26 years. The plane of thumb defect was class II area A to class III area A. According to the condition of thumb defect, designed the incision on the hallux and the second toe of the contralateral foot, and cut the 2nd digit and big-toe nail flap with a common arterial trunk. The nail of hallucis flap was rotated 90 degree and connected to the distal end of the 2nd toe. The hallucis flap covered the narrow neck of the 2nd toe. Thus, the circumference of the reconstructed finger and the length of the toenail were increased. Regular followed-up was made after operation.@*Results@#All 9 transplantation flaps survived, and donor sites healed primarily. Postoperative followed-up period ranged from 4 to 12 (averge,7) months. All the reconstructed thumbs survived and donor toes were in satisfactory appearances. According to the Functional Assessment Criteria of the Upper Limb Formulated by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the outcomes were graded as excellent in 6 cases and good in 3 cases. All the patients were able to manage their daily activities independently. Donor toe injury was small, and their shape and function was good.@*Conclusion@#Free flap of second toe combined with hallucis can effectively improve the appearance of the reconstructed thumb. The appearance of the reconstructed thumb is symmetrical, beautiful, and the function is good.

Transplantation of compound tissue flap of toe to reconstruct the thumb with necrosis caused by electric burns in four patients / 中华烧伤杂志

From January 2010 to December 2017, 4 patients of thumb with necrosis caused by electric burns (all male, aged from 31 to 58 years) were admitted to our hospital, with 1 patient of second degree injury of right thumb, 2 patients of third degree injury of right thumb, and 1 patient of third degree injury of left thumb. Routine debridement under general anesthesia was performed within 7 days after injury. The compound tissue flap of contralateral second toe was transplanted to reconstruct the thumb with third degree defect, and compound tissue flap of ipsilateral distal hallex was transplanted to reconstruct the thumb with second degree defect. Dorsalis pedics artery was anastomosed with radial artery, saphenous vein or dorsalis pedics vein was anastomosed with cephalic vein. The donor site was transplanted with split-thickness skin graft from autologous thigh. All the tissue flaps and skin grafts survived in 2 weeks after surgery. Within 1 year of follow-up, the reconstructed thumbs can achieve radial abduction and palmar abduction with good function. Reconstruction of thumb with free transplantation of compound tissue flap of toe is a good method to repair thumb with necrosis caused by electric burn.

Reconstruction of thumb defect by transplanting second toe combined with hallucis flap: 9 cases report / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To introduce the method for reconstruction of thumb defect by transplanting free flap of second toe combined with the hallucis flap. Methods From June, 2012 to February, 2017, a total of 9 cases of thumb defect were treated. The average age of these 9 patients was 26 years. The plane of thumb defect was class II area A to class III area A. According to the condition of thumb defect, designed the incision on the hallux and the second toe of the contralateral foot, and cut the 2nd digit and big-toe nail flap with a common arterial trunk. The nail of hallucis flap was rotated 90 degree and connected to the distal end of the 2nd toe. The hallucis flap covered the narrow neck of the 2nd toe. Thus, the circumference of the reconstructed finger and the length of the toenail were in鄄creased. Regular followed-up was made after operation. Results All 9 transplantation flaps survived, and donor sites healed primarily. Postoperative followed-up period ranged from 4 to 12 (averge,7) months. All the reconstructed thumbs survived and donor toes were in satisfactory appearances. According to the Functional Assessment Criteria of the Upper Limb Formulated by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the outcomes were graded as excellent in 6 cases and good in 3 cases. All the patients were able to manage their daily activities independently. Donor toe injury was small, and their shape and function was good. Conclusion Free flap of second toe combined with hallucis can effectively improve the appearance of the reconstructed thumb. The appearance of the reconstructed thumb is symmetrical, beautiful, and the function is good.

Reconstruction of proximal thumb plane defect with iliac bone combined with the same pedicled toenail and dorsum pedis flaps / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To report the method and clinical effect of reconstruction of proximal thumb plane with iliac bone, combined with the same pedicled toenail and dorsum pedis flaps.@*Methods@#From June 2010 to May 2017, 7 patients with various degrees of proximal thumb defect were treated in the Hand Surgery Department of Ruihua Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Among them, there were 3 males and 4 females, aged from 18 to 50 years, with an average age of 29 years. There were 5 cases of proximal thumb defect and 2 cases of distal thumb defect. The thumb reconstruction contained 3 steps: iliac bone graft was used to repair bone defect, toenail skin flap to repair dorsal thumb wound, and dorsum pedis flap to cover volar wound. Full thickness skin graft was used to repair donor site.@*Results@#All the reconstructed fingers survived. The area of toenail skin flap was 3.0 cm×2.5 cm to 5.0 cm×3.0 cm in size. The area of dorsum pedis skin flap was 3.0 cm×3.0 cm to 6.0 cm×3.5 cm in size. The length of iliac bone graft was 2.5-5.0 cm. The follow-up time was 5-28 months, with an average of 10 months. All reconstructed finger pulp was full. The nails grew well. The appearance of fingers was satisfied, and the skin sensation of finger belly was restored to S2 to S3+ . Dorsum finger′s protective sensation of all cases were recovered, and the functions of finger joint were close to normal. The donor area on foot healed well. The scar was not obvious. The walking function was completely normal.@*Conclusions@#It is a good method to reconstruct proximal thumb with iliac bone combined with the same pedicled toenail and dorsum pedis flaps without sacrificing toes.

The development and present situation of limb replanting and reconstruction in China / 中国修复重建外科杂志

The replantation of amputated finger (or limb) and the reconstruction of the thumb and fingers started in 1960s in China. With the development of microsurgical techniques, both finger replantation and reconstruction achieved worldwide significant success. And now it is not the survival rate but the function of replanted finger that attracted more attention. Moreover, the breakthrough of particular type of digital replantation has broadened its indications. In terms of reconstruction, not only that a great deal of experiences in dealing with different types of thumb defects was accumulated, but also more micro-surgeons focus on minimal invasion and reducing the damage to the donor area.

Application of Ilizarov technique in functional reconstruction of thumb degloving injury after amputation / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique in reconstruction of thumb function in patients with thumb degloving injury after amputation. Methods: Between June 2011 and September 2016, 9 cases of thumb degloving injury were treated with amputation and Ilizarov technology. There were 8 males and 1 female with an age of 18-52 years (mean, 34.7 years). The amputation plane was the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 5 cases, the level of the proximal metacarpophalangeal joint in 2 cases, and the level of the base of the proximal phalanx in 2 cases (the length of proximal phalanx was less than 1 cm). After amputation, the affected finger was shorter than the healthy finger by 4.0-7.5 cm, with an average of 5.7 cm. On the fifth day after operation, the semi-loop external fixation extender was applied for extension, which was extended by 0.5 mm per day, and was extended once every 6 hours. Results: After bone lengthening surgery, the first web space elevation and contracture occurred in 8 cases. Six of them were treated with the amputation of the inner muscle of the thumb and the "Z" forming technique, postoperative thumb function recovered well; the remaining 2 cases rejected plasty. All 9 patients were followed up 14-47 months, with an average of 33 months. Bone lengthening time was 64-122 days, with an average of 86 days. The lengthening length of bone was 3.0-5.9 cm, with an average of 4.1 cm, and the average lengthening length was 71.9% of the average shortened length. The fixation time of external fixator was 169-342 days, with an average of 231 days. The healing index was 43.2-59.1 days/cm, with an average of 53.4 days/cm. One case showed prolonged mineralization delay and recovered after "accordion" treatment. Bone healing was finally achieved in all patients, with the healing time ranging from 169 to 342 days, with an average of 231 days. No replantation internal fixation and flexion contracture occurred. The two-point discrimination of extended fingertip was similar to that of normal fingertip. The grip strength reached 53%-89% of the healthy side; the kneading force reached 59%-91% of the healthy side. Conclusion: The application of Ilizarov technology to extend the thumb metacarpal lengthening is a good method to reconstruction the thumb function after degloving injury.

3D printing technology to assit in the repair of 9 cases of severe damage to the radial side hand / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of 3D printing technology to assist in the repair of severe damage to the radial side hand.Methods From March,2014 to September,2016,there were 9 cases suffered from varying degrees of metacarpal and phalangeal bones injuries with soft tissue destruction at the radial side of the hand.The donor and recipient areas were scanned by 64 row spiral CT before operation.Three dimensional images were obtained by CTA 3D reconstruction technology.Preoperative plan was designed by using Mirror image technology and Virtual surgery aided design technique of Mimics software virtual surgery aided design system.Nine cases were treated with first toe toenail flap with dorsal foot flap combined with second phalangeal bone transplantation to reconstruct thumb and anterolateral thigh perforator flap to repair the wound.The cutting area of the dorsalis pedis flap and anterolateral thigh perforator flaps ranged from 4.0 cm × 5.5 cm to 6.5 cm × 9.5 cm and from 9.5 cm ×17.0 cm to 12.0 cm × 25.5 cm,respectively.Postoperative followed-up was performed to evaluate the effect of the operation.Results All 9 thumbs and flaps survived after the operation.Postoperative followed-up time ranged from 8 to 16 months.The appearance of reconstructed thumb was close to normal,and the two-point discrimination was from 8.0 to 11.0 mm.According to the evaluation criteria of upper limb function of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,7 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good.The survival flaps had soft texture,good blood circulation and satisfactory appearance at the repaired site.Conclusion 3D printing technology assists thumb reconstruction and wound repair for severe damage to the radial side of the hand with good clinical results.

The big toe wrap-around flap combination of the second phalange with the metatarsal to reconstruct the thumb / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To explore the surgical technique and treatment outcomes of the big toe wrap-around flap combination of the second phalange with the metatarsal to reconstruct the thumb. Methods From June,2014 to December, 2016, 6 patients of the thumb defects onⅤdegree, we took the big toe wrap-around flap with the second toe and the metatarsal to reconstruct the thumb. The metatarsal head was truncated nearby the metatarsophalangeal joint,and the metatarsal head was turned 70°-80° from the dorsal side to the plantar side, then recombinated the metatarsal after dealed with the fracture, so it can rebuild the metacarpophalangeal joints and the metacarpal. 6 cases were followed up. Results All cases survived,and they were followed up duing 4 to 24 months after operation. The shape was similar with uninjured sides and the two-point discrimination was 1.0-2.0 cm.The function recovered satis-factorily and the maximum flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joints can reach 50 degrees,at the same time,it has the function of dorsiflexion. They were got bone healing and there was no bone absorption and joint degeneration. The donor foot has no ulceration,and walking without the pain and lameness. According to the Upper Extremity Functional functional Evaluation Standard set up by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association,there were excellent in 3 cases and good in 3 cases. Conclusion Combined the big toe wrap-around flap with the second toe and the metatarsal to reconstruct the thumb, it can rebuild the metacarpophalangeal joints and metacarpal, we can get the thumb which have the physiological curvature and the suitable length,the configuration and the function were satisfac-tory.It is an effective method for reconstruction of the thumb defect onⅤdegree.

Repairing donor site of foot after improved toe-to-thumb reconstruction utilizing superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator chimeric flap / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of the method of repairing donor site of foot after improved toe-to-thumb reconstruction utilizing superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIAP) chimeric flap.Methods Fourteen cases of thumb defect were recruited from April,2012 to January,2016.According to Gu Yudong's classification,5 cases met the criterion of type Ⅰ,4 cases met the criterion of type Ⅱ,and 5 cases met the criterion of type Ⅲ.For type Ⅰ,the thumb was reconstructed with the great toe wrap-around flap.For type Ⅱ and Ⅲ,the thumb was reconstructed by the combined tissue with mutual artery (great toe wrap-around flap,and the bonetendon tissue of the second toe).All the donor sites of foot were repaired utilizing SCIAP chimeric flap.Results All the reconstructed thumbs survived.Among 14 free flaps of donor site,1 case suffered venous crisis and survived after exploration and rescue surgery.Dorsal skin necrosis of the second toe was found in 1 case,which was healed by local skin flap transposition.All patients were followed-up ranged from 3 to 30 months (averaged at 16 months).In spite of slightly bloated,the color and texture of all the flaps' was satisfied,and the average healing time of the bone in the donor sites was 2.5 months.All patients did not feel painful and had no adverse effect when walking and running.Three months after the operation,5 slightly bloated flaps in the donor sites under went flap plastic and achieved better appearance.On the part of iliaca,there was only one inconspicuous linear scar without any discomfort.Conclusion Repairing donor site of foot after improved toe-to-thumb reconstruction utilizing SCIAP chimeric flap was an ideal method.Using this method,the reconstructed thumb can achieve good appearance and function,all the toes of donor site were reserved,and the disability of the donor site is minimized.

Effect of Mirror Therapy and Sensory Reeducation on Sensation Recovery after Thumb Reconstruction with Second Toe Transplantation / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effect of mirror therapy and sensory reeducation on sensory function recovery after thumb recon-struction with second toe transplantation. Methods Forty patients after thumb reconstruction with second toe transplantation from January, 2011 to January, 2014 were divided into control group (n=20) and training group (n=20). Both groups accepted routine nursing and rehabili-tation, while the training group accepted mirror therapy and sensory reeducation training in addition. They were followed up for six to eigh-teen months after operation (average 9.3 months) with the two-point discrimination (2-PD) of transplanted toe pulp. Results 2-PD was (7.15±1.15) mm in the training group, very shorter than (10.23±2.23) mm of the control group (t=5.4898, P<0.001). Conclusion The mirror therapy combined with sensory reeducation training can improve the sensory function of the finger pulp that transplanted from the second toe.

Subemergency reconstruction of grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ thumb defect by great toe wrap-around flap combined with the tissue flap of second toe / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To explore the surgical technique and clinical effect of combined great toe wraparound flap and second toe tissue flap transfer for subemergency reconstruction of grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ thumb defect.Methods From July,2011 to March,2014,12 patients of grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ thumb defect were treated by transfering combined great toe wrap-around flap and second toe tissue flap transfer.The second toe tissue flap was carried out to cover donor site defect of the big toe.Results All the 12 transplants survied and were followed up for 6 to 24 months.The reconstructed thumbs had near nomal appearace and good fuction,2-point discrimination ranged from 0.6 cm to 0.8 cm.According to the trial standard of upper limb part of functional assessment of the Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association,among the 12 eases,there were excellent in 9,good in 3.Impact on the donor foot was minor with limited complications.The patients were able to weight-bearing walking after one months of operation.For long-term follow-up,no case had successive ulces,obvious pain and claudication.Conclusion The reconstructed thumbs by great toe wrap-around flap combined with the tissue flap of second toe had near nomal appearace and good fuction.

The shifting abductor muscle of little finger and metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal articular capsule incision to improve the function of reconstructed thumb / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To explore the effect of shifting the little finger abductor muscle and cutting open the metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal articular capsule to improve the appearance and function of reconstructed thumb.Methods From August 2007 to May 2012,twelve cases of Ⅳ°or Ⅴ°defect of thumb were repaired by free transplantation of the second toes with metatarsophalangeal joint.During operation,using the abductor muscle of little finger to reconstruct palmar opposition function,cutting open the joint capsule of metatarsophalangeal joint,adjusting the tension of the joint by the little finger abductor muscle and toe short extensor muscles,which were used to improve the appearance and function of reconstructed thumb.Results Twelve reconstructed thumbs all survived.Followed up from 6 to 24 months,the appearance and function were improved obviously.According to the evaluation trial standards,nine cases were optimal and 3 cases were good.Conclusion The shift of the little finger abductor muscle could reconstruct palmar opposition function,combined with metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal articular capsule incision and adjusting joint tension,could improve the appearance and function of reconstructed thumb.The effect of operation was satisfied.

Ulna Nerve Compression Caused by a Tortuous Ulnar Artery

PURPOSE: This case report presents ulnar nerve compression which associated with variant distribution of ulnar artery at the proximal site of the wrist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the patient's symptoms, we could assume a neuropathy resulting from the compression of the ulnar nerve. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the anatomical abnormality of the ulnar artery at the site of compression, and the elecromyogram (EMG) and Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were also performed to confirm the overall abnormality of the ulnar nerve. RESULTS: The tortuous ulnar artery of the lesion which was in the same course as that of ulnar nerve surrounded by sheath seemed to be compressed. Such finding was resolved 5 minutes after taking off tourniquet during adhesiolysis. Along with the improvement in the symptoms of paresthesia and the numbness of the patient a day after the surgery, the atrophy of the muscle and the weakness of the affected lesion were also slightly improved 6 months after the adhesiolysis. The decrease in abnormal spontaneous activity of the ulnar nerve was observed in both EMG and NCV, performed after the 6 month of the surgery. CONCLUSION: Among the patients manifesting significant symptoms of neuropathy arising from ulnar nerve compression, the tortuous ulnar artery as the source of entrapment of ulnar nerve was observed. Six months after the adhesiolysis of the sheath, the overall improvement of clinical symptoms was remarkable.

Reversed Osteocutaneous Radial Forearm Island Flap for Crushing Injury and Open Fracture of the Thumb in Hand / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To report the outcome of a reversed osteocutaneous radial forearm flap for a thumb reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients who underwent a reversed osteocutaneous radial forearm island flap for a thumb reconstruction between 2001 and 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. They were all males with a mean age at the time of surgery of 45 years. The types of thumb defects, size of the flap, length of the radius harvested, time to union, the range of motion of the thumb, grip and pinch strengths, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean size of the transferred radial forearm flap was 58.4 cm2. The mean length of the harvested radius was 4.4 cm. All flaps survived completely. The mean interval required to obtain bone union was 2.8 months. The mean ROM of the thumb was 47degrees. The postoperative mean grip strength was 94 lbs and the mean pinch power was 14.6 lbs. Mean moving two-point discrimination on the flap was 13 mm. There were no complications. All 5 patients were satisfied with the reconstructed new thumb. CONCLUSION: A reversed osteocutaneous radial forearm island flap is a useful procedure for reconstructing of a combined defect of the thumb.

Second Toe Transfer for the Thumb Reconstruction

PURPOSE: Thumb is the most important part of the hand. That requires reconstruction as a top priority. The operative methods for thumb reconstruction have been developed variously to the microsurgical technique. For better functional and cosmetic effects of the thumb, many studies and reports on toe transfer for thumb reconstruction have been conducted. Great toe transfer for thumb reconstruction was first reported by Cobbett in 1969. Since then, the second toe transfer also has been reported by Dongyue in 1979. Author report about advantages and disadvantages of the second toe transfer for thumb reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The second toe transfer had been conducted transfer for nine patients from March 1998 to February 2007. The patient's age ranged from 18 to 52, averaging 30 years old. The levels of defect were classified as two proximal portion of proximal phalanx,five metacarpo-phalangeal joints, and two distal portion of metacarpal bone. The causes of thumb defect were classified as six trauma, two electrical burn, and one malignant tumor cases. The results were evaluated with sensation and strength the reconstructed thumb, cometic effect of recipient site, aesthetic effects at donor sites, and gait problem, at mean 32 months after the operation. RESULTS: After the second toe transfer, the reconstructed thumb's sense was measured as average 8.2 mm at 2 point discrimination test and it's pinching power measured average 81.7% compared to normal thumbs. The degree of cosmetic satisfaction of both donor & recipient sites appeared at 3.4 and 4.7, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When choosing an operative method for the thumb reconstruction, we have to consider functional and cosmetic effect as well as the socio-cultural background. If we apply the second toe transfer according to the amputation level of the thumb, it would be a good satisfying operative method.

Microsurgical Distal Thumb Reconstruction Using a Mini Wrap-around Free Flap

PURPOSE: Free flaps from the great toe are an established method for reconstruction of absent or partially amputated thumbs. However, options differ as to which technique represents the ideal solution for each level of amputation. Various methods of distal thumb reconstruction have been proposed. We prefer to transplant the entire great toe nail complex with the almost all of the pulp rather than a portion of the nail. This paper reflects our experience in using the great toe mini wrap-around flap for distal thumb reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the period from October of 2005 to July of 2007, 9 patients were treated for traumatic thumb defects localized at the distal phalanx of the thumb. The patients included seven men and two women. The mean age was 44 years (range, 21~60) and the dominant right hand was involved in seven of nine patients. RESULTS: The transferred flaps have survived completely in all cases. The mean range of motion in the interphalangeal joints was 51o, with 73% of the normal uninjured opposite hands. The two-point discrimination was 10.5 mm (range, 5~13 mm). In Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, the sensibility was 4.31 in 4 cases, 3.61 in 3 cases and 2.83 in 2 cases. The pinch power was 64% (range, 55~95%) of the opposite hand. All patients were satisfied with the appearance of the reconstructed thumb and felt comfortable at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: We have successfully reconstructed 9 cases of traumatic distal thumb defects using the mini wrap-around free flap. The mini wrap-around free flap in great toe is an excellent alternative method for distal thumb reconstruction in selected patients.

Thumb Reconstruction with a Free Neurovascular Wrap / 대한정형외과학회잡지

This article introduces a new method of thumb reconstruction with the use of an iliac bone graft and a free neurovascular wrap-around flap from the big toe, previously reported by Morrison et al. in 1980. Using this method it is possible to reconstruct a thumb similar to the missing part without total sacrifice of the toe. There is no mobile portion in the reconstructed thumb and motion is provided only by intact joint of traumatized thumb. In thumb reconstruction, it is possible to preserve the nail and its pulp, thus preventing swivelling of the nail and loss of pulp sensation as well as ensuring continued nail growth. This is achieved by free tissue transfer from the 1st web space of the foot, innervated by the deep peroneal nerve and supplied by the dorsalis pedis artery with relatively large diameter. Three cases of thumb reconstruction were performed with this method. Follow up was done for an average of 11.3 months; the rate of viability was 100% with excellent appearance; the 2-point discrimination averaged 8.3 mm.