Modified transfer of proximal interphalangeal joint from the second toe for reconstruction of proximal interphalangeal joint of finger / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of the modified transfer of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) from the second toe in the treatment of a finger PIPJ defect.Methods:A total of 13 patients with finger PIPJ defects caused by traumatic injury were enrolled from May, 2017 to March, 2020. All the PIPJ defects had primary traumatic repairs. The causes of injury 5 patients were caused by strangulation, 4 by chainsaw, 2 by strangulation and 2 by crushing. Of which, 7 patients had index finger injury, 3 middle fingers and 3 ring fingers. The operations were carried out 3-7 months after the first stage of treatment. The grafting of the PIPJ of the second toe with modified vascular anastomosis were performed. The ipsilateral second toe was taken in 10 patients, and the contralateral second toe in 3 patients. The grafted joints all carried observation skin islands, with an area of 1.0 cm×1.5 cm-1.0 cm×2.0 cm. All the secondary bone defects in the donor site of the toe were reconstructed with iliac bone grafts, and the length of the iliac bone strips was 4.0-6.0 cm. At the same time, the island flap on the fibular side of the great toe was removed and repaired at the donor site, with an area of 1.1 cm×1.6 cm - 1.1 cm×2.1 cm. Early postoperative rehabilitation was performed. The patients were followed-up through outpatient visits, telephone and WeChat interviews.Results:All the 13 finger PIPJ and donor site island flaps survived. Bone healing were observed in all patients with the healing time in 8-12(average 10) weeks. Three patients with severe adhesion of joint and tendon were treated with secondary release. All the patients were followed-up for 10 - 18 months without degeneration of PIPJ. Active range of motion of PIPJ ranged 45°-90° in flexion and 0°-10° in extension, the average motion activity was 66.3°. Seven patients were in excellent, 4 in good and 2 in fair, according to the function assessment proposed by the Society of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association. The appearance on donor site was good and the walking was normal in the longterm follow-up. Only one linear scar was left in the ilioinguinal donor site without obvious discomfort.Conclusion:It was possible to use the modified transfer of the PIPJ from the second toe in the treatment of a finger PIPJ defect. An iliac bone graft and an island flap of the first toe transfer can preserve the appearance and function of the toes.