Toe Transfer Research Articles

Emergency toe-to-hand transfer for post-traumatic finger reconstruction: A multicenter case series

BackgroundThe aim of this paper was to evaluate the outcomes of a homogenous series of emergency with a toe-to-hand transfer reconstructions with a different timing: immediate (same surgical step with the debridement), primary (in the first 24 h), early (24–72 h after the debridement) or delayed (72 h-7 days). Materials and methodsBetween 2001 and 2011, 31 patients received an immediate reconstruction with a toe-to-hand transfer. Data on indications, timing, type of surgery, complications and outcomes (sensory and motor recovery, patient satisfaction) were extrapolated and recorded. ResultsMost of the procedures in our series (71%) were performed in the first 24 h. Survival rate was 100%. The only complications were 3 venous thrombosis (10%), solved with surgical re-exploration. Only 1 patient required secondary surgery for web deepening. No functional problems were recorded at the donor site. Sensibility recovery was acceptable in all patients; toe mobility was higher for the reconstructed thumb (85%) than for other digits (77%). Patient satisfaction was high with regard to functional results and lower but acceptable with regard to the aesthetic outcome. There was no difference in satisfaction rate of patients treated within 24 h or within 7 days. ConclusionNo conclusive evidence exists in favor of an immediate versus a primary, early or delayed emergency reconstruction. Emergency toe transfer for finger reconstruction is a safe procedure and its outcomes are comparable to those reported in the literature for secondary reconstruction. Immediate reconstruction has the advantage of an easier dissection, but early or delayed reconstruction gives more time to discuss with the patient and to plan surgery.

Extreme Thumb Losses: Reconstructive Strategies.

Historically, complex amputations of the thumb have been managed in two stages and often require additional soft-tissue and tendon transfer for successful outcomes. This article provides several novel strategies to address these problems in a single stage using existing muscles, immediate free tissue transfer, and toe transfer. From a personal experience of 482 toe transfers, 24 cases were performed to reconstruct extreme thumb losses. All thumbs were reconstructed in one stage. In only one case, the thumb was reconstructed with a second toe transfer; the remainder had a great toe (or a part of it) used for reconstruction. Suture, advancement, or tendon transfers were performed in all to restore intrinsic muscle function. In 19 cases, the web needed to be resurfaced with free (n = 18) or local (n = 1) flaps. All toes and flaps survived. Three patients required a secondary adductorplasty. Six of the seven patients with a metacarpal hand were able to perform tripod pinch. The rest had an average Kapandji opposition score of 7.5. Patients rated their functional and cosmetic result with a visual analogue scale score (ranging from 0 to 10) of 8.5 and 8.4, respectively. In proximal thumb amputations, the surgeon should pay attention not only to the obvious thumb loss but also to the first web and the thenar muscles. The author recommends abandoning the standard approach of a pedicled groin flap followed by a toe. Otherwise, the thenar muscles become useless, the first metacarpal contracts, and the need for tendon transfers skyrockets. Further studies are required to compare the outcomes of these results to those of more classic transfers. Therapeutic, IV.

Long-Term Evaluation of The Functional and Esthetical Outcomes for The New Method of The Toe-To-Hand Transfer for Full-Length Thumb Reconstruction in Congenital Thumb’s Hypoplasia in Children

Abstract Congenital thumb hypoplasia is a rare deformity of the upper extremity. Incidence of thumb hypoplasia type I–V was 2–3 and type IIIb-V was 0.5–1 per 20 000 newborns per year in Latvia. The classification of thumb hypoplasia was created by Blauth in 1967 (type I to V). The base of the metacarpal bone is absent for hypoplasia type IIIb–V; therefore, toe-to hand transplantation is not recommended. A stable first carpometacarpal joint has been considered a mandatory factor for successful toe-to-hand transplantation. A technique for toe-to-hand transplantation for thumb hypoplasia type IIIb–V patients has been described in literature but overall results were not better than pollicisation. The aim of this study is to describe a new technique for thumb reconstruction with a second toe transfer with metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis, which can provide a 5-digit hand and restore the functionality of the thumb for thumb hypoplasia IIIb–V. Long-term follow up was done to evaluate the functions and aesthetics of the hands. A survey to evaluate aesthetical outcome for the transplantation method and pollicisation method was completed by 290 respondents. The overall population rated the aesthetic outcomes of the new transplantation method significantly higher than for pollicisation (p < 0.0001).

On-top Plasty for Reconstruction of Thumb Using Index Finger

Thumb is very important for hand function. Many options are available to reconstruct injured thumb from simple dressing (pulp injury without bone exposure) to replantation and toe transfer (significant loss of thumb length). In chronic setting, where other fingers are intact, on-top plasty can be used to reconstruct injured thumb. In this study, a case of a boy who lost his thumb in a road accident is presented. Thumb reconstruction was performed using partially injured ipsilateral index finger. At two months, successful restoration of form and function were noted. Keywords: Index finger on-top plasty; thumb injury; thumb reconstruction.

Reconstruction of digit planer injuries using component transfer of double second toes: A case report

The purpose of this report is to show that customized component second-toe transfers may improve functional and aesthetic outcomes following bone, soft tissue, and joint destruction of traumatically injured digits. A 22-year-old male sustained a planer injury resulting in loss of the distal volar soft tissues of the middle, ring, and small fingers, along with variable destruction of middle phalanges and distal interphalangeal joints. Simultaneous vascularized second-toe transfers were performed with customized joint and pulp reconstruction of middle and small fingers. The ring finger was salvaged using non-vascularized autologous bone graft and acellular dermal matrix. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course. Five-year strength, sensory and patient reported outcomes represent overall satisfactory results. Strength testing revealed the injured hand to perform within 90% strength of the uninjured side. Sensory outcomes showed present but diminished sensory perception in each of the injured digits. The patient's upper extremity function, physical health, quality of life, and foot health were overall acceptable, and he returned to using his hand for typing, writing, weight-lifting, and woodworking.

Bilateral Metacarpal Hands: Reconstruction With 6 Toe Transfers.

Background: Bilateral metacarpal hand injuries are extremely rare, but probably represent the most difficult reconstructive challenge in hand surgery. Methods: We discuss the various options for metacarpal hand reconstruction, including the Krukenberg procedure, bionic prostheses, multiple toe-to-hand transfers, and possibly hand transplantation, and present the long-term functional outcomes, gait analysis, and psychological evaluation after a 4-stage reconstruction of bilateral metacarpal hands in a child using 6 toe-to-hand transfers-bilateral great toe transfers to reconstruct both thumbs and bilateral combined second-third monobloc transfers to reconstruct 2 fingers in each hand. Results: Reconstruction of bilateral metacarpal hands with 6 toe transfers yielded excellent functional results and patient satisfaction. Conclusions: Bilateral metacarpal hand injuries result in a devastating functional deficit and a major psychological impact. Multiple toe transfers (4, 5, or 6) provide an excellent reconstructive outcome with acceptable donor site morbidity.

Thumb Amputations in Children: Classification and Reconstruction by Microsurgical Toe Transfers

Traumatic amputations of the thumb are rare in children compared with adults, but hand surgeons remain reticent to consider microsurgical reconstruction with toe-to-thumb transfers. This study reports the functional outcomes and complications of children with traumatic thumb amputations who underwent toe-to-thumb reconstruction. A retrospective review of children who sustained thumb amputations and whose parents elected for their child to undergo reconstruction by toe-to-thumb transfer was performed. Details of the level of thumb amputation, whether other fingers were also amputated, which toe was transferred on which vascular pedicle, survival of the transfer, and complications, were collected. Opposition, sensation, and growth of the toe-to-thumb transfers was measured. Functional and psychosocial outcomes were evaluated by both the parents and the older children using the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument questionnaire. Twenty-one thumb amputations in 19 children between the ages of 2 and 17 years were referred for secondary reconstruction. Ten were isolated thumb amputations and 11 were combined thumb and multiple finger amputations. Two children had bilateral thumb amputations. Twenty-one toe-to-thumb transfers were performed: 14 second toe transfers and 7 great toe transfers (3 great toe and 2 trimmed and 2 Morrison wraparound variations). There were no immediate postoperative reexplorations of the microsurgical anastomoses and all toe transfers survived completely. All children regained pinch and grasp function and sensation. There were no gait problems in the donor feet. Microsurgical toe-to-thumb transfers should be offered as an alternative option to the traditional techniques of distraction lengthening and pollicization, for posttraumatic thumb reconstruction in children for any level of amputation from just distal to the carpometacarpal joint to the interphalangeal joint. Toe-to-thumb transfer provides length, opposition, and sensation without disturbing ambulation and is associated with excellent psychosocial outcomes as evaluated by both parents and older children. Therapeutic IV.

Macrodactyly: decision-making and surgery timing

Macrodactyly is a rare condition in which fingers, hands or limb growth is unregulated, resulting in overgrowth of tissues in the affected extremities. It is critical to properly assess these extremities for signalling pathway, psychological impact and potential surgical intervention, to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient. Treatment approaches can vary, and patient and family expectations weigh heavily on care complexity. Common surgical procedures may include epiphysiodeses, osteotomies, debulking procedures, carpal tunnel releases, toe transfers and amputations. The selection and timing of these surgeries is a vital component of the approach, as delayed healing and excessive scarring may occur. The purpose of this review is to assist in the navigation of decision-making and surgical timing for patients presenting with overgrowth manifesting itself as macrodactyly.

The Battle Ground between Two Giants: Toe Transfer and Hand Allotransplantation.

A few severe hand injuries represent a gray zone for the reconstructive surgeon, for which autologous tissue transfer and allotransplantation can yield satisfactory results, but not without downsides or morbidity.This article is written to address the dilemma of application of both techniques in those selected cases.

Investigating Patients' Perception of Microvascular Free Toe Flap for Reconstruction of Amputated Thumbs: A Guide for Surgeons during Informed Consent.

After thumb amputations, restoration of function and aesthetic can be accomplished with microvascular free toe flaps. However, many patients in clinical practice do not choose this reconstruction despite positive reported outcomes. This study aims to determine patients' perceptions with respect to free toe flaps to improve areas of informed consent. A retrospective survey was administered to patients with thumb amputations. Participants were required to complete a questionnaire about patient demographics, the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (bMHQ), the standard gamble/time trade-off questionnaires for utility scores, and a questionnaire investigating potential reasons for electing not to undergo a free toe transfer. Thirty patients were enrolled in the study wherein 53% underwent a replantation procedure, 27% a revision amputation, and 20% a delayed reconstruction. Mean normalized score on the bMHQ was recorded as 63.54. Utility questionnaires yielded mean measures of 0.8967 and 0.86 on the standard gamble and time trade-off, respectively. From 14 elements, a majority (87%) stated flap failure as a major source of concern, followed by lack of understanding of risks and benefits (80%) and prolonged hospital stay (53%). Cultural/religious beliefs, aesthetic appearance of the foot, and concerns about footwear were not reported as important reasons in 90, 80, and 79% of patients, respectively. A better understanding of patients' attitudes and beliefs with respect to free toe flaps will allow surgeons to better address their concerns during informed consent. This study emphasizes the importance to discuss about failure rates, risks, and benefits of the operation and prolonged hospital stay.

Reconstruction of the Thumb after Traumatic Tissue Loss

The distinctive prehensile functions of the human hand are orchestrated by the thumb. Without a thumb, the hand lacks critical movements allowing for pinch, grasp, and fine manipulation. Based on the patient’s individual needs, occupation, and desires, thumb reconstruction should be offered to every patient with a traumatic amputation. Position, stability, mobility, and sensation command attention when reconstructing the absent thumb. We present the spectrum of various techniques available for reconstructing a useful thumb. This review contains 9 figures, 3 tables and 51 references. Key words: Thumb; reconstruction, amputation, pollicization, toe transfer, metacarpal lengthening, webspace deepening

Simultaneous Stiles-Bunnell Tendon Transfer Enhances Intrinsic Function of Second-Toe Transplantations.

Therapeutic, IV.

A flap based on the plantar digital artery arch branch to improve appearance of reconstructed fingers: Anatomical and clinical application

To investigate blood supply features of the flap based on the plantar digital artery arch and arch branch artery, and the treatment of outcomes of reconstructed fingers by the plantar digital artery arch branch island flap. Eight fresh foot specimens were employed with red emulsion infusion and microdissection. The vascular organization was observed in the second toe, such as initiation site, the course, and the number of the plantar digital artery arch branch. There were 15 fingers of 13 patients (8 males and 5 females) with finger defects accompanied by toe transfer, using the plantar digital artery arch branch flap inserted in the neck of the second toe to correct the appearance defect caused by a narrow "neck" and a bulbous tip. The intact plantar digital arches were identified in all specimens. The plantar digital artery arch had 5 branches. The range of external diameter of the arch branch was 0.4-0.6 mm. All the plantar digital artery arch branch island flaps and the reconstructed fingers survived. These cases were conducted with a follow-up period for 3-18 months (average, 9 months). All the plantar digital artery arch branch island flaps and reconstructed fingers demonstrated a satisfactory appearance and favorable sense function. The reconstructed finger-tip characteristic was good, with no obvious scar hyperplasia. The range of flexion and extension of reconstructed fingers was favorable as well. The plantar digital artery arch and arch branch artery possess regular vasa vasorum and abundant vascularity. A flap based on the plantar digital artery arch branch is an ideal selection for plastic surgery of reconstructed fingers.

Reconstruction of Traumatic Dorsal Loss of the Thumb: Four Different Surgical Approaches.

This article outlines our methods for thumb reconstruction following dorsal skin loss injury located between the metacarpophalangeal joint (MPj) and the entire nail affecting skin, nail, tendon, and bone in different combinations but with intact sensate palmar skin. Between 1990 and 2015, 24 patients were treated for dorsal thumb defects using 4 different surgical techniques. Five cases of dorsal compound traumatic loss were reconstructed by custom-made dorsal great toe transfer. Four patients with dorsal skin and nail loss located at the distal phalanx level were covered with the homodigital flap with reverse flow vascularization. In 9 patients presenting skin defects between the MPj and the nail, reconstruction was achieved by means of the kite flap. Six cases suffered extensive dorsal skin loss, and reconstruction was performed using different types of radial forearm flaps (cutaneous, tendineocutaneous, osteocutaneous, and fascial). Flap survival was obtained in all cases. No vascular complications occurred with free vascularized compound toe transfer. Reconstruction of dorsal thumb defects is imperative and its approach is strictly correlated to type of defect, patient's requests, and flap alternatives. For defects with nail involvement, the free osteo-onychocutaneous flap harvested from the great toe provides the best aesthetic result in selected young and well-motivated patients. An alternative is represented by the dorsoulnar flap, when the defect is located distally, or the fascial pedicle radial forearm flap, for major dorsal thumb defects, in patients refusing microsurgical reconstruction. The kite flap still represents a feasible solution for medium-size defects with an intact nail.

Complications and secondary surgeries after free flap for limb reconstruction at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital: a ten-year retrospective review of patient data

Background: Free flap surgery is an essential tool in limb reconstruction, but complex and often followed by complications, with many cases requiring additional procedures. Objectives: To analyze postoperative complications and need for secondary surgery after free flap surgery over a 10-year period at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from a cohort of patients who underwent free flap surgery for limbreconstruction from 2004 to 2014. Results: We included 35 free flap operations in 29 patients. Mean follow-up time was 6.4 y. Free flap surgical procedures included 7 gracilis transfers, 8 toe transfers, 5 latissimus dorsi flaps, 5 fibular transfers, 4 anterolateral thigh flaps, 2 lateral-arm flaps, 2 radial forearm flaps, and 2 venous free flaps. There were 4 categories of postoperative complications. (1) Patients were those who developed total flap loss after free flap surgery (7/35 flaps, 20%). (2) Patients had major complications requiring additional operations (11/35 flaps, 31%). Major complications included partial flap necrosis, wound swelling with delayed closure, arterial occlusion, postoperative bleeding, infection, and failed implant fixation. (3) Patients had minor complications that required no additional surgical procedures (8/33 flaps, 23%). (4) Patients with no postoperative complications (9/35 flaps, 26%). Secondary surgery after initial free flap was 51% overall (18/35 flaps). The 3 most common secondary procedures included second flap coverage, skin graft, and anastomosis revision. We found free flap surgery performed during the subacute period (14–90 d after injury) to have significantly (P = 0.028) more complications (categories 1 and 2) than surgery performed during the acute period ( 90 d). Conclusions: Physicians should be prepared for a range of outcomes of free flap surgery and advise their patientsof the risk of additional operations accordingly. Keywords: Secondary surgery, flap necrosis, free flap surgery, limb reconstruction postoperative complications

Prescription stimulant non-medical use: Literature review

Thumb amputation at the carpometacarpal level is very incapacitating. Pollicization may be considered. We describe an alternate technique for thumb reconstruction at the level of the metacarpal base using a trimmed great toe along with a vascularized second metatarsophalangeal joint, including the second metatarsal, all supplied on a single vascular pedicle. Two patients who had a combined soft tissue defect and amputation of the thumb close to the carpometacarpal joint were reconstructed with this method. A transposition of the second toe was performed on top of the remaining proximal phalanx of the great toe to decrease donor site morbidity. This technique provides adequate length to the thumb without compromising another finger by creating a new thumb using a double microsurgical toe transfer on a single vascular pedicle. We minimize donor site morbidity by transposing the second toe onto the great toe.

Distraction Lengthening Following Vascularized Second Toe Transfer for Isolated Middle Finger Reconstruction

We report the use of distraction lengthening of the middle phalanx after vascularized second toe transfer for middle finger reconstruction to lengthen the digit to match the index and ring fingers. We performed a retrospective review of 3 patients with a mean follow-up of 30 months. A mean increase of 2.0 cm in the length in the digit was achieved. The range of motion at the proximal interphalangeal joint was preserved and bony union was seen at the distraction site in all 3 cases. All patients had an excellent functional and aesthetic outcome. Distraction lengthening of vascularized toe transfers is a feasible undertaking. Therapeutic V.

Free Vascularized Medial Femoral Condyle Structural Flaps for Septic Terminal Digital Bone Loss.

A unique clinical problem exists when the majority of distal bone stock in a digit is destroyed by osteomyelitis, leaving a residual soft tissue envelope with tenuous, random perfusion surrounding a nidus of scar tissue. Pulp pinch is lost in the absence of bony support, and limited options exist. Apart from toe transfer or revision amputation with shortening, non-vascularized bone grafting inside the residual soft tissue envelope risks graft resorption and reactivation of infection. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of free vascularized medial femoral condyle structural bone flaps to restore lost pulp pinch in such cases. Nine patients (8 males, 1 female) with a mean age of 43years sustained extensive terminal bone loss near digital tips following osteomyelitis. The mean length of bone defect was 28mm (± 8.4). The patients were reconstructed at a mean of 12weeks from initial trauma/infection, having undergone a mean of two prior surgeries. A structural block of vascularized bone from the medial femoral condyle replaced the missing bone at the digital tip defect, temporarily fixed with K-wires. The bone flap was encased by the residual soft tissue envelope after removing scar tissue from the prior trauma and infection. All bone flaps incorporated fully, restoring pulp pinch function to the respective digits with a mean time to union of 8.6 (± 2.1) weeks; range 6-11weeks. With few alternative solutions able to address this unique and difficult problem, the structural block of vascularized bone proved able to resist resorption, nonunion, and reactivation of infection; the problems normally encountered under this scenario.

Thumb Reconstruction with Toe Transfer

Microsurgical toe transfer has become a gold standard option for amputated thumb reconstruction. It can be used to correct almost any thumb defect. However, for optimal functional and esthetic results, proper initial care, preoperative planning, proper selection of suitable techniques, adjunct or secondary procedures and proper, postoperative rehabilitation are important.

Thumb Amputations in Children

Hypothesis: Traumatic amputations of the thumb are fortunately rare in children compared with adults, but hand surgeons remain reticent to consider microsurgical reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Nineteen thumb amputations in 17 children (13 boys and 4 girls) between the ages of 2 and 16 years were referred for secondary reconstruction. Nine were isolated thumb amputations (R1 classification) and 10 were combined thumb and multiple finger amputations (R2-R5 classification). Two children had bilateral thumb amputations due to burns. Of the unilateral thumb amputations, 8 were left thumbs and 7 were right thumbs. Three thumbs were amputated just distal to the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, 4 through the metacarpal head or metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, 7 through the base of the proximal phalanx, 3 through the head of the proximal phalanx, and 2 through the base of the distal phalanx. Three children had previously undergone soft tissue coverage with a pedicled groin flap (2) and a reverse radial forearm flap (1), and 2 children underwent a reverse radial forearm flap simultaneously with their toe transfer. Results: Nineteen toe-to-thumb transfers were performed: 12 second toe transfers and 7 great toe transfers (3 great toe and 2 trimmed and 2 Morrison wrap-around variations). There were no immediate postoperative re-explorations of the microsurgical anastomoses and all toe transfers were successful. All children rapidly regained pinch and grasp function and sensibility. There were no gait problems in the donor foot/feet. Conclusions: Microsurgical toe-to-thumb transfers are the optimal technique for post-traumatic thumb reconstruction in children for any level of amputation from just distal to the CMC joint out to the distal proximal phalanx. Second toe transfers are preferred for younger children because of better growth potential and an inconspicuous donor site, but great toe transfers become more favored for older children because of the better cosmetic appearance and for combined thumb and multiple finger amputations.