Transplantation of metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint of second toe with toe preserva- tion in repairing traumatic digital arthritis / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcome of transplantation of metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint of the second toe with toe preservation for repair of traumatic digital arthritis.Methods:From February, 2016 to June, 2018, nine cases with traumatic digital arthritis were treated, including 7 males and 2 females aged from 19 to 46 (average 26.7) years. Three cases had index finger and 6 middle fingers injuried. Four cases had arthritis in metacarpophalangeal joint (MP) and 5 in proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP). All cases with digital arthritis were secondary to trauma. The involved digital joints were reconstructed by transplanting the MP or PIP of the second toes. At the same time, the affected joints (7 cases) or autologous iliac bone grafts (2 cases) were used to repair the bone defects to retain the length of toes. The donor site were closed directly. The appearance and healing of fractures of the fingers and toes, range of motion (ROM) of the transplanted digital joint, healing of the donor site, foot function and complications were observed.Results:All 9 grafted joints survived. In 1 case, the bone defect in the donor site was fixed with iliac bone graft and mini-plate. The wound did not heal at 1 week after operation, which was considered as a rejection of internal fixator. The wound healed smoothly after having the plate removed and replaced it with a cross-fixation by Kirschner pins. Duration of postoperative followed-up was 6-30 (mean 16.3) months. Primary postoperative healing was achieved in all cases. The bone healing time in the hand was 7 to 10 (mean 8.3) weeks. The appearance and function was satisfactory. The postoperative range of motion (ROM) in the transferred MP was 50°-75°(mean 65.3°), and ROM of PIP was 10°-80°(mean 61.5°). According to the evaluation standard of upper limb function set up by the Society of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, excellent in 5 cases, good in 3 cases and fair in 1 case, with an overall satisfaction of 88.9%. The bone healing time in the foot was 9 to 12 (mean 10.2) weeks. All cases presented with good appearance of the toe without obvious affect to walking and running. For the ilium, there was only an inconspicuous linear scar without any discomfort in the donor iliac area of 2 cases.Conclusion:Transfering of MP and PIP of the second toe with toe preservation can restore the anatomy structure and function of the digital joint. Meantime, the use of autogenous iliac bone graft to replace the donor site defect may retain the length of the toe and minimizes the injury to the donor site.