Metacarpal Lengthening Using a Mini-Ring Ilizarov Device for Thumb Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To explore the results of using the mini-ring Ilizarov external fixator for thumb metacarpal lengthening and its compatibility with a simultaneous groin flap. METHODS: From May 2016 to June 2019, 17 adult patients with thumb loss were treated with metacarpal lengthening using a mini-ring Ilizarov device. The device was composed of 2 rings, threaded rods, nuts, and K-wires (diameter, 1.5 mm). Of these patients, 6 also underwent simultaneous groin flap transfer. Lengthening was started 3 days after surgery at a rate of 0.66 mm/d. The pedicle of the groin flap was divided 1 month after the surgery. The healing index (days per cm), which denotes the number of days the external fixator is attached to the bone per centimeter of length gained, was used to evaluate the lengthening efficiency. RESULTS: The patients were observed for 21.9 ± 9.0 months. The lengthening continued for 29.1 ± 4.5 days, resulting in an additional length of 1.9 ± 0.3 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The mini-ring Ilizarov external fixator is a simple device for primary metacarpal lengthening. This device can be used with a groin flap for single-stage lengthening of injured thumbs with bone exposure. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Comparison of Treatment Methods of Thumb-Tip Defects With Phalangeal Bone Exposure: Modified Heterodigital Neurovascular Island Flap Versus Free Lateral Great Toe Flap.

PURPOSE: Modified heterodigital neurovascular island flaps and free lateral great toe flaps are dependable methods for treating thumb-tip defects with phalangeal bone exposure. We retrospectively analyzed and compared the details and results of the two methods. METHODS: This retrospective study included 25 patients with thumb injuries with phalangeal bone exposure treated between 2018 and 2021. Patients were categorized as per the following surgical methods: (1) modified heterodigital neurovascular island flap (12 patients, finger flap group) and (2) free lateral great toe flap (13 patients, toe flap group). The Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire, aesthetic appearance, Vancouver Scar Scale, Cold Intolerance Severity Score, static 2-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, and range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the injured thumb were evaluated and compared. In addition, operation time, hospital stay, return-to-work time, and complications were recorded and compared. RESULTS: In both groups, the defect was successfully repaired, with no cases of complete necrosis. The 2 groups had similar mean scores in static 2-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, range of motion, and Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire scores. The aesthetic appearance, scarring, and cold tolerance of the toe flap group were better than the finger flap group. The operation time, hospital stay, and return-to-work time in the finger flap group were shorter than the toe flap group. The finger flap group had 2 complications-a superficial infection and 1 case of partial flap necrosis. The toe flap group had 3 complications-a superficial infection, 1 case each of partial flap necrosis, and partial skin graft loss. CONCLUSION: Both treatments can achieve satisfactory results; however, they each have advantages and disadvantages. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Reconstruction of degree V defect of thumb: A case report / 中华显微外科杂志

In March 2014, a degree V defect of right thumb was reconstructed with a free right hallux nail flap combined with bone and tendon composite tissue of the 2nd toe in the Department of Hand Surgery, Ningbo No. 6 Hospital. A freed right superficial iliac circumflex artery perforator flap (SCIPF) and autologous iliac bone were used to repair the donor site of foot. The hand function was evaluated according to the upper limb function scoring system. Seven years after operation, the function of the right hand was significantly improved and the function of right foot was not significantly affected. According to the Michigan Hand Function Score, the result was 80 point. Functional recovery evaluated according to the Evaluation Standard of Reconstructed Thumb and Finger Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, the result was excellent (14 point).

[Application of double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique for thumb defect].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique in treatment of thumb defect. METHODS: Between February 2017 and June 2019, 6 patients with traumatic thumb defects were treated with double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal by Ilizarov technique. There were 5 males and 1 female. The age ranged from 28 to 57 years, with an average of 41.5 years. There were 3 cases on the left side and 3 cases on the right side. All patients were admitted to the hospital in emergency department after injury, and the stump of the thumb was trimmed and sutured. The osteotomy plane was the distal part of the proximal phalanx in 4 cases and the interphalangeal joint in 2 cases. The interval between injury and osteotomy was 20-245 days (median, 34.5 days). After minimally invasive osteotomy and placement of a semi-circular external fixator, the lengthening began on the 5th day. The proximal phalanx and metacarpal were lengthened by 0.5 mm every day, once every 12 hours. The thumb of the affected side was distracted to the middle of the distal phalanx of the healthy thumb, and the fixator was removed after the bone healed. RESULTS: The distraction time was 14-23 days, with an average of 18.8 days. The osteotomies were healed with healing time of 91-147 days (mean, 120.2 days). The total distraction length of the proximal phalanx and metacarpal was 1.40-2.25 cm, with an average of 1.86 cm; healing index was 51.0-72.2 days/cm, with an average of 64.9 days/cm. All patients were followed up 5-12 months (mean, 8.2 months). At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination was 5.3-8.5 mm with an average of 6.98 mm. According to the evaluation standard of the upper limb part of the Chinese Medical Association, the score was 10-14, with an average of 12.5. Among them, 4 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. All patients were satisfied with the function and appearance of thumb after operation. The Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score was 2.3-9.1, with an average of 6.1. CONCLUSION: The double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique is an effective method for the treatment of thumb defects.

[Surgical flap according to Littler (neurovascular island flap)]. / Lappenplastik nach Littler (neurovaskulärer Insellappen).

OBJECTIVE: Defect coverage of medium-sized soft tissue defects on the ulnar side of the thumb and radial side of the index finger. By using the Littler flap, both, the lost soft tissue coverage and sensitivity, which is necessary for an exact grip to the long fingers, can be simultaneously restored. INDICATIONS: Medium-sized soft tissue defect of the ulnar tip of the thumb, exposed bones and parts of the tendons, extensive soft tissue defects with sensory deficit. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Limiting accompanying injuries of the hand. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: All-layer incision of the flap at ulnar 3rd digit with proximal exploration of the nerve and vascular bundle. Tracing the bundle to the exit from the palmar arch. After subcutaneous tunneling, shift of the flap into the defect. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization of the thumb in adduction for 7 days in a dorsal plaster splint, followed by free exercise. RESULTS: Reliable defect coverage with low donor-site morbidity and immediate restoration of sensibility in the ulnar tip of the thump. However, microsurgical dissection, especially of the nerve, is challenging.

Combination free foot flaps for digit reconstruction: A retrospective analysis of 37 cases.

Combination foot flaps for digit reconstruction was previously introduced by our group as an alternative method for toe-to-hand transfer. The aim of this study was to analyze our experience with the combination foot flaps and to present the surgical refinements that were introduced. A prospective study was conducted including all combination foot flaps performed at our hospital since September 2009. Surgical refinements that were introduced during this study included island flap for repair of toenail donor site and the use of Z-plasty. The median operation duration was 6.7 hours (range 3.5-13 h). Among 74 flaps, partial necrosis occurred in three flaps (4.1%); two palmar flaps (2.7%) were bulky. Among 37 cases of reconstructed digits, contracture of the first web occurred in one case (1.4%). All the patients were able to walk well and did not complain of any pain or cold intolerance. Wound dehiscence of donor site was observed in three patients (8.1%). Toenail deformity occurred in one case (2.7%). The combination foot flap is a reliable option for digit reconstruction with minimal donor site complications.

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 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.

Hallux-nail flap with distal phalanx combined with iliac bone for reconstruction of thumb with Ⅲ degree defect / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To explore the clinical effect of using hallux-nail flap with the distal part of phalanx combined with iliac bone for reconstruction of thumb with Ⅲ degree defect.Methods From June,2011 to June,2016,7 patients with thumb Ⅲ degree defect were treated with the hallux-nail flaps with distal phalanx combined with iliac bone to reconstruct thumbs.According to the thumb defect indexing method reported by Cheng Guoliang,the type 1 of thumb Ⅲ degree defect was 4 cases,and the type 2 of Ⅲ degree defect was 3 cases.The donor site was covered with skin grafting in 1 case,free superficial iliac artery graft in 5 cases and free peroneal artery perforator flap in 1 case.All patients kept the number and length of donor toes.Regular follow-up was performed after operation to observe the function,shape,feeling of finger reconstruction,the survival condition of flaps or skin graft in donor site,etc.It was also observed if the pain by walking actually exists in the long-term effect.Results All of the reconstructed thumbs survived.One patient suffered the necrotic in the donor site repaired by superficial iliac artery flap,which was successfully covered with the skin graft.All patients were followed-up from 3 months to 18 months (mean,8 months).The reconstructed thumb with smooth nail had fine textile and good elasticity,good flexion and extension function of the palm,fingers and the metacarpophalangeal joint.The donor sites recovered with fine texture,and there were no difficulties in walking and running and no complaint about the pain and discomfort.According to the Trial Criteria of Upper Limb Functional Evaluation of Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society,5 cases resulted in excellent,and 2 cases resulted in good.Conclusion The hallux-nail flap with the distal phalanx combined with iliac bone is an excellent option to reconstruct thumb with Ⅲ degree defect with the outcome of good function and appearance.The trauma of the donor site is small and the number and length of the toes are remained.The clinical effect is good.

Technical Points of 5 Free Vascularized Flaps for the Hand Repairs.

In this article, we present the experiences from Chinese microsurgeons on 5 less commonly used free vascularized flaps in hand reconstruction. In many units in China, these flaps have become the mainstays of treatment; they are routinely used for fingertip and thumb reconstruction. Their combined experience has demonstrated the reliability and versatility of these flaps for hand reconstruction, as well as their cosmetic value.

Combined two foot flaps with iliac bone graft for reconstruction of the thumb.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this report was to retrospectively review the results of reconstruction of the thumb by use of combined two foot flaps with an iliac bone graft. From 2009 to 2014, nine patients with traumatic amputation of the thumb had their thumbs reconstructed. The two flaps were based on one pedicle. All flaps survived completely. Patients were followed for a mean of 15.6 months (range, 6-35 months). The appearance of the reconstructed thumb was comparable to a normal one, except for one thumb which required debulking. The appearance of the nail was satisfactory without deformity. The range of joint motion was satisfactory. The two point discrimination of the pulp ranged from 6 mm to >15 mm. The Michigan Hand Questionnaire outcome score was a mean of 76.2 ± 11.3 points and the Maryland foot rating score a mean of 94.8 ± 3.4 points. The combined two foot flaps with iliac bone graft might provide an option for the reconstruction of the thumb. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

A method of reconstruction of type Ⅱ b defect of thumb both and reserving the length of the donor toe / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of a method of renconstruction of Type Ⅱb defect of thumb both and reserving the length of the donor toe.Methods From March 2012 to Febrary 2014,there were 11 cases of thumb defect treated in our hospital.According to Gu Yudong's classification,all were type Ⅱ b.Three were open defect and others were closed defect.All were treated with combined transfer of big toe wrap-around flap and autogenous iliac graft for thumb reconstruction while a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap was used to resurface the donor defect.The donor site of the belly was sutured directly.Results All of the reconstructed thumb survived.Among 11 flaps,arterial crisis occurrred in 1 case,venous crisis occurred in 2 cases,and all survived after operative treatment.The patients were followed-up from 3 mooths to 15 months,all the thumbs had a good appearance.The thumb opposition function was good and sensation recovery to S3 + and two-point discrimination from 6-8 mm.The donor big-toe was preserved.All the flaps had satisfactory color and texture,but looked a little plump.All the patients had no effect on walking and running.Four flaps had more beautiful appearance after flap plastic.There was only one linear scar on the belly donor without any discomfort.Conclusion It is an effective method of combined transfer of big toe wrap-around flap and autogenous iliac graft while a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap was used to resurface the donor defect used to reconstrucution of Type Ⅱ b defect of thumb is very good.

Reconstruction of Thumb Associated with Defect of Metacarpal Bone / 中华创伤杂志

86 cases of defect of thumb with defect of metacarpal bone were operated by the second toe transfer to reconstruction of the thumb, of which 82 cases were successful occuping 95. 6% of total cases. The metacarpal-phalangal arthral reconstruction of the thumb was completed by the hemi-arthral and full-arthral transplantation of metatarsal-phalangee joint of second toe. The results of follow-ups after operation revealed that the degree of movement of the joint was 26 in the former, 36% in the latter. The reconstruction of the first web by means of the local flap of the dasalis manual; dasalis pealical flap and groin flap. Fair results were obtainded with 63.2 %; 87. 1% and 100%. respectively. The disadvantages of groinflap method are timeconsuming, and incomfortable in position. The operative methods vary with the degree of the defect of the matacarpal bone and the condition of the web space