Pollicisation by heterotopic replantation of abandoned finger

Abstract

Objective To reconstruct the function of thumb by pollicisative replantation using abandoned finger, and observe the clinic effect. Methods Seventeen cases of finger and thumb destructive injuries accompanied with skin loss were involved in the study. The abandoned finger was heterotopically replanted to the site of the thumb. Meanwhile, flap transfer was done to reconstruct the first web and cover the skin defect.Systemetic rehabilitation was applied after the operation. Results All of the seventeen heterotopically replanted fingers survived. Postoperatively the patients were followed up for 1 to 5 years. Tne hand function was assessed according to the upper extremity functional evaluation criteria issued by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association. The results were graded as excellent in 3 cases, good in 11 cases and poor in 3 cases. The overall excellent and good rate was 82.4%. Conclusion Heterotopic replantation of abandoned finger for thumb reconstruction can lead to satisfactory functional restoration. Key words: Replantation; Thumb; Transplantation, heterotopic