Reconstruction of traumatic absence of the thumb by microvascular free tissue transfer from the foot.

The development of microvascular surgical techniques during the last quarter century has advanced the ability of the hand surgeon to reconstruct the traumatically amputated thumb. The use of tissue from the foot has become the mainstay of therapy for this previously exceedingly difficult reconstructive problem. Although numerous minor variations of thumb reconstruction with use of the toes from the foot are available, three main techniques--the complete great toe transfer, wraparound flap, and second toe transfer--provide a predictable outcome. With multiple donor sites available, the surgeon can choose a procedure based on the needs of the patient as well as the particular preferences of the individual surgeon involved. The uniform goal in thumb reconstruction is to provide a cosmetically acceptable, stable, mobile, and sensible thumb that can be used in opposition and pinch maneuvers. Transfer of the great toe can provide excellent reconstruction in the selected patient. This transfer may be the procedure of choice in the child who requires continued epiphyseal growth of the transferred digit. The esthetic appeal of this transfer is somewhat dependent on individual patient variation and the appearance of the toe relative to that of the contralateral uninjured thumb. In patients with a narrow great toe, the transfer can provide an ideal esthetic result. Disadvantages of this transfer are that it is less esthetic when the toe is very bulbous in appearance and that the resultant defect and morbidity in the donor foot may be significant, possibly affecting activities of daily living. The wraparound flap provides the unique ability to customize the thumb reconstruction. The final esthetic outcome of the thumb can be altered in nail size, circumference, and length. Use of the wraparound flap permits a greater portion of the great toe to be left with the foot in an attempt to preserve more normal gait and function postoperatively. This type of transfer does not permit interphalangeal joint motion and may not permit metacarpophalangeal joint motion. Therefore, the requirements of a normal carpometacarpal joint with excellent thenar musculature so that the postoperative thumb can be put through a functional arc of motion are essential. Transferring a portion of the distal phalanx in the wraparound flap permits the intercalary iliac crest graft to have viable bone on both the distal and proximal aspects, thereby reducing postoperative osteopenia of the iliac crest graft itself.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)