One-stage cosmetic finger reconstruction using a second toe island flap containing terminal branches of the toe artery

• Published in: Orthopaedics & traumatology, surgery & research Vol. 101; no. 3; pp. 345 - 351
• Main Authors: Ju, J.-H, Hou, R.-X
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01.05.2015
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Esthetics; Female; Finger Injuries - surgery; Finger reconstruction; Humans; Male; Orthopedics; Pinch Strength; Plastic surgery; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; Sensation; Surgery; Surgical flaps; Surgical Flaps - blood supply; Toe artery; Toes - blood supply; Toes - transplantation; Transfer; Young Adult; Transfer; Plastic surgery; Toe artery; Finger reconstruction; Surgical flaps
• ISSN: 1877-0568; 1877-0568
• DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2014.12.019

Abstract Introduction A finger reconstructed by toe transfer may have morphological defects. We report the results of second toe transfer for 1-stage finger reconstruction with an island flap based on terminal branches of the toe artery. Hypothesis The technique can improve the morphological outcomes of reconstructed fingers. Materials and method Between January 2008 and June 2011, toe-to-finger transfer was performed for 36 fingers in 31 patients. An island flap containing terminal branches of the toe artery was embedded in the neck of the second toe to eliminate the morphological defect caused by stenosis in that area. Results All reconstructed fingers and all flaps survived. No donor site complications occurred. The mean follow-up was 8 months (range, 5 to 25 months). The morphology of the reconstructed finger was close to that of a normal finger, and a natural transition could be observed in the finger pulp, the finger neck, and the junction between the toe and the finger. Sensory recovery of the finger pulp ranged from S1 to S3+. The mean pinch strength of the reconstructed fingers was 48% to 60% of that of the contralateral side. The mean DASH scores were 52.9, 48.9, and 46.0 for patients that had the index, third, and fourth fingers reconstructed, respectively, and the lowest mean aesthetic score was 70. Discussion The method provides good aesthetic and functional outcomes, and overcomes aesthetic difficulties associated with other methods of toe transfer for finger reconstruction. Level of evidence Level IV.