Toe Transfer Research Articles

Multiple Free Flaps and Second Toe Transfer to Salvage Grasp Function in Bilateral Complete Degloved Hands

AbstractA 21-year-old male laborer sustained bilateral degloving injury of the hands with multiple digital amputations and devascularized digits. After X-rays, preliminary debridement was done, when digital amputations were completed, including index ray amputation on both sides. The next day, two anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps and one second toe transfer were done to restore coverage in the palm and the web and reconstruct the lost thumb. This ensured both coverage and thumb length on the right side, but on the left side the procedure was terminated with flap transfer only. After 3 months, the other second toe was harvested with a dorsalis pedis flap for reconstruction of the left thumb, and a free gracilis flap was done for optimal donor site coverage in the donor left foot. Evaluation after 2 years showed functional hands with reasonable power grasp, pinch grip, and dexterity to manipulate small and large objects that permitted an independent living.

Microsurgery and vasospasms: Spasms’ predictive factors during harvesting

BackgroundVasospasm (VS) in microsurgery is a source of surgical complications, repeat operations, stress for the patient and the surgical team, as well as increased length of stay. Various risk factors have been identified but knowledge regarding the implicated mechanism remains limited. HypothesisOur objective was to determine if the harvesting conditions for microsurgical toe transfers could increase the risk of VS. Our secondary objective was to determine the correlation between VS occurrence before flap division, and the occurrence of vascular complications after completion of vascular anastomoses. Patients and methodsPrimary endpoints were the existence of locoregional anaesthesia of the lower limb, the Gilbert classification, the nature of the graft taken from the foot, the characteristics of the patients and smoking status. Our secondary endpoints were the presence of secondary VS or microsurgical failure. This series consists of 14 toe transfers over a 30-month period. Primary VS was defined as occurring prior to flap division, while secondary VS occurred after transfer. ResultsIn this series, we identified 4 cases of primary VS. The average age of the operated population was 30.6 ± 11.2 years (16–58). The patients who presented with primary VS had a mean age of 35.3 ± 16.2 years (21−58), with no statistical difference with the other group (p = 0.54). There was a statistically significant difference between the absence of locoregional anaesthesia and the occurrence of primary VS in toe transfer (p = 0.0008). Microsurgical failure occurred in 1 case. This failure was linked to the presence of a primary VS. Gilbert's classification and type of graft were not predictive of VS (p = 0.15 and p = 0.08, respectively). The occurrence of secondary VS was statistically linked to the occurrence of primary VS (p = 0.009). DiscussionThe occurrence of VS remains unpredictable and the effectiveness of available treatments is debated in the literature. Faced with the failure of curative treatments, this study aimed to determine predictive factors for VS. The existence of secondary VS, when prolonged and non-responsive to conventional measures, can lead to anastomotic revision. Performing locoregional anaesthesia on the lower limb makes it possible to effectively combat the occurrence of VS. The absence of primary VS was correlated with an absence of secondary VS and an absence of microsurgical failure. In addition to controlling vasospasm, regional anaesthesia provides effective analgesia at the harvesting site. Level of evidenceIV

Second Toe-to-thumb Transfer Using Intramedullary Screw Fixation after Traumatic Thumb Amputation.

Loss of the thumb secondary to trauma leads to significant disability due to the digit contributing 40% of overall hand function. Toe-to-thumb transfer has been a well-studied reconstructive method as a means to restore function after thumb amputation. First described in 1969 by Cobbett and colleagues, toe-to-thumb transfers have undergone several modifications in technique to better improve functional and aesthetic outcomes, including toe wrap-around flaps, trimmed great toe transfer, and second toe transfers. Although these methods have allowed patients to retain use of the thumb, traditional interosseous wire reattachment often leads to significant stiffness and need for prolonged rehabilitation to regain maximal function. Intramedullary screw fixation has been increasingly used in phalanx and metacarpal fractures, but its implementation outside of these contexts is not well reported. Here, we present a case of a patient who presented with traumatic thumb amputation and was treated with second toe-to-thumb transfer with intramedullary screw fixation, a novel mode of interosseous rigid fixation in toe-to-hand surgery. Postoperatively, our patient was able to begin mobilizing the new thumb immediately, which allowed for earlier return to work. We believe our technique can be applied to other cases of second toe, as well as great toe, transfers to improve length of recovery and rehabilitation postoperatively.

Functional Restoration of Bilateral Wrist Level Hand Amputee with Six-Toe Transfers and Three Free Flaps: An Alternative to Hand Allotransplantation or Prosthesis

Abstract Introduction Hand amputation at the wrist level is severely disabling, especially when bilateral. It is paramount to restore the hand function to the best possible level for the patient's daily living activities, as well as optimal social and occupational rehabilitation. There are various options for restoration of function after amputation at wrist and distal forearm levels including Krukenberg's operation, variations of toe transfers, hand allotransplantation, and prosthesis. Krukenberg's procedure and the reconstruction using toe transfer like Vilkki's procedure or two-toe transfers, restore only the pinch. Hand allotransplantation, although it gives excellent function, has limitations due to the complications of immunosuppression. Functional hand prosthesis, though superior in cosmetic appearance, have again limitations in function, and the cost is prohibitive for most patients in our country. Materials and Methods We present the unique case of a bilateral hand amputation at the wrist level reconstructed with three toes and free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in a single-stage surgery for each hand. In two stages, the patient had six toes transferred to both hands. Result All transferred toes and all three free (two ALT and one thoracodorsal artery perforator) flaps survived completely. Three-finger grip (tripod pinch) was thus restored in each hand. The hook grip was also restored well by the reconstructed two fingers. Within 3 months after surgery, the patient could perform all activities of daily living. He resumed his original job with some modification of his work within 6 months postinjury. Conclusion Hand reconstruction using three toes and a free flap is an excellent option for functional restoration for amputation at the wrist and distal forearm level. It allows an early return to function and good social and professional integration of the patient. This procedure is a potential alternative to expensive prosthesis and allotransplantation for a bilateral hand amputation.

Flow-Through Procedure in Sequela After Complex Injuries of the Hand With Fingers’ Amputation

PurposeComplex injuries of the hand with finger amputation can result in important functional impairment. If the amputated fingers cannot be replanted, the developed sequelae should be further evaluated. Sometimes, in the presence of a few remaining local vascular resources, the use of the flow-through technique can help in solving the problem. MethodsThis study retrospectively reviews 4 cases who underwent single or multiple fingers reconstruction with toe transfers by using true flow-through or flow-through conduit flaps. A thorough description of the two methods is done, and the quality of the regained functionality of the hand is presented. ResultsAll the patients were males, aged between 21 and 45 (median age 31.75). One of them injured the left dominant hand, and the other three their right dominant hand. The median time between the accident and reconstructive surgery was 14.5 months (range, 3 months-36 months). All the initial lesions were work-related trauma. One patient had severe sequela after forearm compartment syndrome and amputation of the thumb and fifth finger; one patient had a metacarpal hand, one patient had amputation of two fingers (2nd and 4th); and one patient had three fingers amputated (2nd, 3rd, and 4th). In the first patient, a true flow-through flap and a second toe transfer was done, and in the other three patients multiple toe transfers by using the flow-through conduit technique were used. A good functionality of the reconstructed hand was obtained in all the patients. ConclusionsToe transfer remains one of the best methods in the reconstruction of hands with missing fingers. The use of both true flow-through flap and flow-through conduit methods are very useful, especially in cases with few vascular resources.

Osteoplastic Reconstruction of the Thumb: a case report

Background & Objectives: Thumb accounts for 50% of the hand function. Amputation of the thumb severely jeopardises the hand function. Thumb replantation, toe transfer are the ideal methods for restoring the hand function, but is not always possible owing to type of injury, time to presentation, surgical skill and set up. Osteoplastic thumb reconstruction for amputation around the metacarpophalangeal joint is a good treatment option to restore the hand in a developing setup. Presentation of Case: A 25 yrs male with amputation of thumb around metacarpophalangeal joint with delayed presentation and crushing component of distal part underwent multiple staged osteoplastic reconstruction of the thumb. The procedures consisted of bony structure fixation with bone graft followed by coverage with a thinned tubed groin flap which was divided at 2 weeks interval. The thumb was made sensate with sensate flap (first dorsal metacarpal artery flap). Discussion: Thumb replantation is ideal in acute setup in a clean traumatic amputation, while toe transfer is ideal in a delayed setup with healed wound. This requires a good operating room set up with microsurgical set up and skilled manpower, which is difficult in a developing country. Osteoplastic reconstruction requires multiple staged procedures that can be done at a primary level setup. Conclusion: Osteoplastic thumb recontruction is a good option for amputation around the metacarpophalangeal joint to restore hand function in a resource limited set up.

Free neurovascular toe-(joint)-transfers compared to alternative reconstructive procedures for amputation injuries of two and tripartite fingers with substance loss.

Complex injuries of the hand frequently result in loss of essential functional features. Common reconstructive procedures for soft tissue defects of the thumb or phalanges are locoregional flaps like Moberg-, Foucher-, Cross-Finger- or Littler flaps. Microneurovascular toe (joint-) transfers complete the arsenal of operative reconstructive procedures and allow for most detailed reconstructions. Our experiences with free toe transplants are reported and diversely discussed regarding contending procedures. From 2010 until 2019 14 patients who received emergency or elective partial or complete toe transfers were compared with a control group (n = 12) treated with contending reconstructive procedures. Aim of the reconstructions was to cover the defect with well-vascularized, sensate tissue, while preserving length and range of motion in a reliable manner. The Kapandji score showed a significant difference (p- value = 0.04) with a score of 9.8 in comparison to control group (Kapandji index = 8.0). In our heterogenic patient collective free toe transplants have proven to achieve comparable functional results for reconstruction of two and tripartite phalanxes as opposed to common local reconstructive procedures.

One-stage reconstruction of four fingers in children using microsurgical autotransplantation of foot tissue complexes

BACKGROUND: Toe-to-hand transfer is still the most promising and relevant method for restoring fingers that are missing from birth or after injury. In cases requiring the restoration of two or more digits, simultaneous transplantation of tissue complexes from both feet, including one or two toes, is possible and necessary. Thus, a maximum of four fingers can be restored during one operation. Such operations, according to the literature, are performed extremely rarely because they are very extensive and time-consuming.
 AIM: To present the results of simultaneous microsurgical autotransplantation of four toes to the hand in children with congenital and acquired pathologies.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used clinical, radiological, and biomechanical methods to assess the results of nine patients with congenital and acquired upper limb deformities who underwent simultaneous microsurgical autotransplantation of two tissue complexes from each foot, including toes II–III. The indications for performing this method of microsurgical reconstruction in children with the absence of four (or all five) fingers have been determined. The results, postoperative complications, and conditions of the donor and recipient zones were analyzed.
 RESULTS: To date, 914 such operations have been performed in children. In nine cases, four toes were simultaneously transplanted (two from each foot). The average age of the patients was 4.2 years. Two children had congenital malformations of the hand, and seven had consequences of trauma. In eight cases, fingers II–V were restored, and in one case, fingers I–IV were restored. Complications associated with impaired blood circulation in the grafts were observed in 22% of the cases; however, they were temporary. All transplanted grafts survived. All patients required continued surgical treatment after the toe transfer to improve their appearance and function. Biomechanical examination methods showed complete restoration of function on average of 4 months (±1 month) after surgery.
 CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the possibility and effectiveness of using toes for hand transfer in children with both congenital and acquired hand pathologies that require the restoration of four fingers. Simultaneous microsurgical transplantation of toes ensures the restoration of a good appearance of the hand and its functionality.

The Pedicled Sensate Osteocutaneous Groin Flap for Reconstruction of the Forearm and Hand

Background The groin flap is axial pedicled and versatile. Until now, this flap has been used with many modifications for the reconstruction of forearm and hand defects. However, this flap has not been used in forearm, hand, and thumb reconstruction as a pedicled sensate osteocutaneous flap. In this study, a pedicled sensate osteocutaneous groin flap was used for the reconstruction of composite tissue defects on the forearm, hand, and thumb. Patients and Methods A pedicled sensate osteocutaneous groin flap was used to reconstruction composite tissue defects on the forearm, hand, and thumb in 7 patients. The mean age of the patients was 42 years. The defects were located on the dorsal surface of the forearm and hand in 2 patients, the dorsal surface of the hand and finger in 2 patients, and the thumb in 3 patients. The dimensions of the flap skin paddle ranged from 7 × 11 cm to 8 × 23 cm, and the dimensions of the bone component ranged from 1 × 1.5 × 3.5 cm to 1 × 1.5 × 5 cm. The mean follow-up duration was 26 months. Results All the flaps survived. Flap debulking was performed using 3 flaps. Sensory recovery in the flaps was completed approximately 18 months after the first operation. When the results of static 2-point discrimination test and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test were evaluated at 18 months postoperatively, it showed that protective sensation was obtained. Except for 1 patient, motion restriction did not develop in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder joints. An acceptable aesthetic result, minimal donor site deformity, and protective sensation were obtained in all patients. Conclusions The pedicled sensate osteocutaneous groin flap can be safely used in the reconstruction of forearm and hand composite tissue defects that do not have available vascular structures for free flaps in the recipient area and in thumb reconstruction where toe transfer and pollicization cannot be performed.

Long-term donor site outcome after second toe transfer for congenital hand differences.

This study evaluates the long-term donor site outcomes after second toe transfers for congenital hand differences performed during childhood. In total, 25 toe transfers in 18 patients were followed up for a mean period of 17.4 years. We examined the patients clinically, radiologically and with a gait analysis system. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected. The patients were asymptomatic and there were no problematic clinical or radiological findings. Patients expressed high levels of satisfaction. The results were consistent, regardless of the resection level in the toe transfer or whether the operation was unilateral or bilateral. No postoperative complications or late reoperations on the foot were observed.Level of evidence IV.

An Alternative Treatment Option for Blauth III B Thumb Hypoplasia-Thumb Stabilization with Iliac Crest Bone Graft and Intermetacarpal Arthrodesis.

Thumb hypoplasia modified Blauth III B is usually treated by pollicization or, less commonly, by toe transfer. Both procedures always result in the resection of a body part, but with good cosmesis and acceptable function. We describe an intermetacarpal I/II arthrodesis with autologous bone graft augmentation to lengthen and stabilize the loose thumb. Clinical data were collected from nine patients, median age at surgery 3 years 8 months, with more than 7 years of follow-up. The results showed a grip strength on the Jamar dynamometer of approximately 61% of the unoperated hand. The Quick-DASH score was 11. The reconstructed thumb was 0.8 cm thinner and 1.9 cm shorter. Overall satisfaction on the VAS, with an average of 1.5 out of 10, is excellent with a partially usable thumb on a hand with five rays. The described procedure is a reliable treatment option with satisfactory results. In addition, none of the patients lost pincer grip between the second and third digit, but their thumb gained new function. Especially in environments where physical integrity has a high value, thumb construction instead of replacement could be considered.

Reconstruction of Composite Soft Tissue Defect in the Distal Finger Using Partial Toenail Flap Transfer.

Composite tissue loss involving the distal finger pulp and the nail is a common but challenging finger injury to restore. This study introduces a reconstruction procedure for a distal finger pulp and nail defect using a partial toenail flap transfer. Twenty digits, including 16 thumbs, two index fingers, and two middle fingers, with composite soft tissue defects were treated with a partial toenail flap transfer from October 2015 to January 2020. Shortening revision of the great toe phalanx, a V-Y advancement flap of the toe pulp, and a local pedicle flap from a second toe transfer were used to cover the donor sites, and no skin grafts were required. Functionality was evaluated using the validated Spanish version of the Quick-DASH scale. The aesthetics of both the reconstructed and donor sites were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). The static two-point discrimination (2-PD) of the finger pulp was used as a measure of tactile agnosia. All donor site wounds healed well. The average follow-up time was 23.6 months (6-39 months). The mean Quick-DASH functional score was 7.1. The VSS scores were 4.02 ± 0.29 and 4.00 ± 0.38 for the reconstructed and donor sites, respectively. The static 2-PD of finger pulp was 4.5 ± 0.76 mm. The patients were satisfied with finger motion, sensory function, and aesthetic contour. Partial toenail flap transfer is the recommended treatment to regain motion, sensation, function, and a satisfactory aesthetic appearance when considering repairing a composite soft tissue distal finger defect with accompanying loss of the perionychium, particularly in the thumb, index finger, or middle finger.

The Use of Conventional Lower-Frequency Color Doppler Ultrasound for Flap Planning in the Lower Extremity.

Handheld Doppler is often inaccurate in localization of perforators for pedicled and free flaps. Color Doppler ultrasound (CDU), in contrast, allows more accurate mapping and characterization of perforators to facilitate rapid flap harvest. Forty-seven flaps harvested from the lower extremity were evaluated preoperatively with CDU by a single surgeon with a conventional low-frequency ultrasound device (Philips Sparq, Cambridge, Mass). Flaps evaluated included profunda artery perforator flaps (n = 36), anterolateral thigh flaps (n = 2), pedicled propeller perforator flaps (n = 7), and toe transfers (n = 2). In all cases where a free profunda artery perforator or anterolateral thigh flap was used, the location of the dominant perforator visualized preoperatively correlated exactly with intraoperative findings. In cases where CDU was used preoperatively to locate a large perforator close to a lower extremity defect for reconstruction with a propeller perforator flap, all perforators could be used, and all flaps were successful. Preoperative CDU is particularly useful for flap planning where knowledge of the location of the dominant perforator is critical. This includes planning of thin and superthin free flaps, as well as freestyle perforator flaps. Our clinical experience suggests that this technology should be routinely adopted in certain aspects of reconstructive microsurgery.

Lambda Repair: A Novel Repair Technique for Chronic Boutonnière Deformity.

Correction of a boutonnière deformity is one of the most demanding challenges in hand surgery. Surgical interventions are usually considered when functional use of the finger cannot be obtained after intense hand therapy. The authors introduce their newly described lambda (λ) repair, which is an easy-to-learn, straightforward surgical technique. The method involves an end-to-side tenorrhaphy of the lateral bands, resembling the Greek λ. Patients who underwent a lambda repair were retrospectively evaluated with preoperative and postoperative measurements of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint movement. Four patients (two male, two female; median age, 35.5 years) with a median follow-up period of 9.1 months were included. Three patients underwent lambda repairs for isolated boutonnière deformities, and one patient received a vascularized free toe transfer combined with a lambda repair. The preoperative average PIP joint extension lag or deficit was 28.75 degrees and could be reduced to 15 degrees. Preoperative average PIP joint active flexion was 60 degrees, which was improved to 88.75 degrees. No complications were observed. The lambda repair is a new tool in the reconstruction of boutonnière deformity, further expanding the armamentarium of hand surgeons.

A new method for second toe flap revascularization in plantar dominant artery pattern - dorsal metatarsal artery interpositional graf.

Toe transfer to hand is a viable option for patients, which can provide functionally useful digits. Harvesting of the second toe is still accepted as a demanding surgical procedure. The major questions before this transfer are the location and the dominance of the arterial anatomy of the second toe. The authors present the incidence of patients with a dominant plantar artery system and a description of a versatile technique that can be used for toe transfers in these patients. The study was designed retrospectively. Toe to hand transfers performed between 2010 and 2018 were reviewed. The patients with a dominant plantar arterial system were included in this study. The dorsalis pedis arterial graft technique described by the authors was used in all cases with a dominant plantar system. All of transfers were done by the senior author. All cases followed up at least one year post-operatively. The survival of the transferred finger was examined in the follow-ups. Eleven toe to hand transplantation cases in nine traumatic patients were included in this series. The reason for the operation was trauma in all patients. Second toe transfer was performed in all of the cases. Plantar dominant arterial system was seen in 3 of the 9 patients. Dorsal arterial system was dominant in the remaining six patients. Dorsalis pedis arterial graft technique was used in these four cases. All of the toes survived, and reexploration was needed in 2 cases because of venous insufficiency. Mean follow-up time was 16.4 months. This is the first study to recommend the use of dorsalis pedis as an arterial graft instead of vein grafts. This surgical method described will make these rarely performed transfers easier and affect the success rates positively.

DORSALIS PEDIS NEUROVASCULAR FLAP, OUR EXPERIENCE.

Analyze the donor site morbidity of the dorsalis pedis neurovascular flap in traumatic injuries with hand tissue loss. The study involved dorsalis pedis neurovascular flaps that were used to reconstruct the hands of eight male patients, between 1983 and 2003, aged between 21 and 53 years (mean 34.6, SD ± 10.5 years). The size of the lesions ranged from 35 to 78 cm2 (mean 53, SD ± 14.4 cm2). Surgical procedures were performed two to 21 days after the injuries had occurred. The patients were followed up for an average of 10.3 years (ranging 8-14, SD ± 2.1 years). Regarding the donor site, in one case there was hematoma formation, which was drained; in another case, the skin graft needed to be reassessed. All patients experienced delayed healing, with complete healing from 2 to 12 months after the surgery (mean 4.3, SD ± 3.2 months). Despite the advantages of the dorsalis pedis neurovascular flap, we consider that the sequelae in the donor site is cosmetically unacceptable. Nowadays, this procedure is only indicated and justified when associated with the second toe transfer. Level of Evidence IV; Case series .

Factors affecting hand cosmesis and the aesthetic impact of surgery on congenital hand differences in Finland.

We assessed the appearance and cosmetic impact of surgery in congenitally different hands in Finland. A questionnaire was sent to 1165 respondents (786 female) with a mean age of 33 years (range 3-84). Participants were shown nine image pairs and seven pairs of pre- and postoperative images twice in a random order and asked to choose the more cosmetically pleasing one. We found that the appearance and number of fingers had an important aesthetic role, with higher number and more normal appearing digits consistently scoring higher than its counterpart (range 59-99%). Postoperative appearances were perceived as better than preoperative ones in syndactyly (98%), thumb duplication (92%), cleft hand (93%) and radial dysplasia (99%). Toe transfer and pollicization had little impact on cosmesis. This study demonstrated that surgery could improve cosmesis in congenitally different hands and overall, most respondents prefer an appearance that is as close as possible to normality. Level of evidence: IV.

Functional reconstruction of the thumb by heterotopic thumb-to-thumb replantation and secondary opponensplasty in bilateral amputation in the upper extremities: a case report

In traumatic amputations in the upper extremities, replantation has been commonly attempted with high success rates. However, successful replantation implies both the maintenance of length and good functional outcomes of the restored hand. Since the thumb accounts for 40% to 50% of hand function, the utmost priority is on the salvage of the thumb. In cases when replantation is not feasible, various efforts have been made to replace the thumb, including pollicization of the index finger, toe transfer, lengthening of the thumb stump, and deepening of the first web space. Alternatively, heterotopic thumb-to-thumb replantation has been suggested as a rescue plan in rare circumstances of bilateral amputation in the upper extremities. However, even if heterotopic replantation is successful, there are situations in which a severe crushing injury to the thenar muscles of the recipient’s thumb causes opposition failure of the reconstructed thumb. We report a case of functional reconstruction of the thumb in a rare case of bilateral mangling amputations in the upper extremities, by a heterotopic thumb-to-thumb replantation combined with secondary opponensplasty to compensate for the opposition failure.

A Systematic Review of the Outcomes of Microsurgical Toe Transfer for Metacarpal and Metacarpal-Like Hand Deformity.

Background: Thumb and multiple finger amputations may result in a metacarpal and a metacarpal-like hand deformity. Toe-to-hand transfer is a recognised treatment strategy for this deformity but has risks and is resource intensive. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the outcomes of toe-to-hand transfer for traumatic metacarpal and metacarpal-like hand deformity in adult patients. Methods: Multi-database searching with index and free text terms, duplicate standardised screening and extraction, and quality assessment was performed. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were prespecified. We included any randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, as well as interrupted time series, before and after intervention studies. Results: Screening of 548 articles yielded 20 studies eligible that included 19 retrospective observational studies and one before and after intervention study. A total of 171 patients underwent 274 toe transfers for metacarpal and metacarpal-like hand deformity. No study compared toe-transfer to a control group or to a prosthesis. The before and after intervention study demonstrated significant improvement in activities of daily living, work, aesthetics and satisfaction. Additionally, no significant donor site morbidity occurred in the heterogenous sample. Outcomes from remaining studies at risk of bias suggest that those with a lesser severity of injury and at least two toe transfers score higher in functional tests and scoring systems. Conclusions: There is limited confidence in the effectiveness of toe transfer for metacarpal and metacarpal-like hand deformity. The available evidence indicates that toe transfer(s) may restore acceptable function permitting activities of daily living, return to original or sedentary occupation and affords satisfaction. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Vascularized Toe and Nonvascularized Toe Phalangeal Transfer for Reconstruction of Congenital Absence of Digits or Thumb: A Systematic Review of the Literature

PURPOSE: Non-vascularized toe phalanx transplantation was first described to lengthen or reconstruct fingers, though criticized for high rates of avascular necrosis. More recently, vascularized transfer has improved graft survival, with adequate perfusion enabling increased growth. The aim of this study was to compare the indications, techniques, and outcomes of vascularized and nonvascularized toe-to-hand transfer surgery in patients with congenital hand differences. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies containing data on indications, surgical technique, and outcomes for patients with congenital absence or deficiency of digits or thumb treated with toe-to-hand transfer were included. Confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for outcomes of the two toe transfer techniques. Failure was defined as resorption of the graft or necrosis necessitating removal. The 95% CIs were used to determine difference in outcomes. Statistical significance was determined using a chi-square test. RESULTS: Forty studies published between 1978 and 2020 were included, containing 534 patients and 866 transfers. Twenty-three studies (58%) described only vascularized/microsurgical toe-to-hand transfers, 15 (38%) described nonvascularized, and 2 (5%) included patients with both. There were 133 men (53.4%) and 116 (46.6%) women. Three hundred nineteen patients (59.7%) had vascularized transfers, 214 (40.1%) nonvascularized, and one had both (0.2%). The mean age for vascularized transfers was 2.5 years (range 6 months–17 years) and 3.1 years (range 6 months–22 years) for nonvascularized. Follow-up for the vascularized group was 4 months to 11 years and 6 months to 35 years in the nonvascularized group. Symbrachydactyly was the most common indication in both groups (46.3%, 45.3%). The most commonly transplanted vascularized toe was the second one (91.5%). The fourth toe was most commonly used in the nonvascularized group (61.9%). Vascularized toe transfers were most commonly used to reconstruct the thumb (53.3%) or unspecified fingers (25.9%). The thumb was also most commonly reconstructed in nonvascularized transfers (30%), followed by the middle (19.2%), ring and pinkie (17.8% each), and index finger (14.6%). In cases where hands were bilaterally affected, most often one vascularized toe was transferred to each affected hand (74%, second toe in 88% of these). For bilaterally affected patients in the non-vascularized group, 60% had one transfer to each hand (fourth and fifth toes preferred). Vascular complications were most common after vascularized transfers, occurring in 6.8% of transfers, though 94.7% of these were ultimately successful after reoperation. Resorption accounted for most complications after nonvascularized transfers, with a 12.6% resorption rate. The resorption rate was 0.7% in the vascularized group. Instability occurred after 5.6% of nonvascularized transfers and 0.7% of vascularized. Vascularized toes showed better healing, range of motion, and growth. In the vascularized group, there was a higher success rate of 98.6% (95% CI 97.4%–99.7%). The nonvascularized group had a success rate of 86.8% (95% CI 83.6%–90%), (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both toe transfer techniques are good options for reconstruction of congenital absence or deficiency of digits or thumb. Our study found a higher success rate in vascularized compared with nonvascularized transfers. Indications and approach for each technique varied among patients treated by the same author.