Repair of perforated fingers using composite tissue transplantation of articulated second toe

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the repair of perforated fingers using complex tissue transplantation of articulated second toe.Methods From July 2001 to January 2008, complex tissue grafts of articulated second-toe with blood supply were used to repair 14 cases of perforated finger defects, 11 males and 3 females.Their average age wag 25.4 years old.Using the proximal interphalangeal joint of the second toe, total joint transplantation was conducted in 5 cases and half joint transplantation in 3 cases.Using the metatarsophalangeal joint of the second toe, total joint transplantation was performed in 2 cases and half joint transplantation in 4 cases.Results Primary healing of the grafted complex tissues was achieved in 13 cases, though partial necrosis of skin flap was observed in 1 patient with a defect at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger, whose wound healed after change of dressings.In the other cases, followed up for 6 to 15(average, 11)months, the grafts had satisfying appearance and fine healing of joints.No nonunion, bone deformity or degeneration of joints was present.Finger functions were favorably recovered, and finger to finger activity was achieved.According to the criteria for hand functions by Chinese Medical Association, 4 cases were excellent, 6 fine, and 4 fair.Conclusion Repair of perforated fingers using composite tissue grafts of the second toe is a one-off repair of defects of bone, joint, tendon, skin and other tissues, providing fine rehabilitation for each subtle defect and maximizing functional recovery of injured fingers. Key words: Finger injuries; Metacarpophalangeal joint; Finger joint; Tissue transplantation; Microsurgery