Thumb reconstruction with extended twisted toe flap

Abstract

Twelve amputated thumbs were reconstructed with a neurovascular cutaneous flap from the great toe and an osteotendinous flap from the second toe. Both transfers were dependent on a single vascular pedicle. One of the 12 reconstructions failed. In the remaining 11, the mobility of the metacarpophalangeal joint ranged from 10 degrees to 50 degrees, and that of the interphalangeal joint from 10 degrees to 30 degrees. Opposition and key pinch were restored, and the shape and volume were similar to those of the normal thumb. Likewise, the great toe was preserved, and all patients had a normal gait. This technique preserves the epiphyses for future growth in children and maintains the aesthetic appearance of the foot, but it has the disadvantage of involving a lengthy surgical procedure with a 17% rate of major complications.