Digital lengthening by the insertion of a composite graft of bones, joints and tendons into pedicled tissue

Abstract

A case is reported in which congenital anomalies were present in the digits of both hands. The resulting impairment of digital and manual functions was so significant that soft tissue lengthening of the index finger of the right hand (the major hand) was undertaken with abdominal pedicled tissue. Active motion and stability were obtained in the constructed digital segment by the insertion of a composite graft of bones, joints and tendons which was taken from the third left toe. The joints of the graft underwent resorption during the second year following transplantation and the components now function as a bone strut. Its stability, combined with the sensation which has developed in the pedicled tissue, has, nevertheless, improved this patient's abilities in executing grasp and pinch. This result is reported twenty-four months following the transplant.