Free second toe one‐stage‐plasty and transfer for thumb or finger reconstruction

Abstract

Free second toe transfer has become a popular method for the management of thumb or finger reconstruction. However, this creates an obvious appearance defect. A new operating procedure has been used since 1999. To enlarge the perimeter of the reconstructed thumb, a composite tissue strip flap from the fibular of great toe pedicled with the fibular proper plantar digital artery, combined or not with the island dorsal index finger flap, was inlaid with the second toe at the same time before the reconstruction. A crescent double-winged dorsal metatarsus flap, connected with second toe, in combination with the partial metatarsal bone, was also used to reconstruct fingers. There were 36 patients in the study group with a follow-up time of 6 months to 3 years. The thumb and finger reconstructed in this way showed better appearance, with normal caliber and length and without obvious adverse affects. This method has ameliorated the embarrassing appearance of the reconstructed thumb with earlier methods and is a relatively ideal method for thumb or finger reconstruction.