Reconstruction of the amputated thumb using great toe transfer and dual bone lengthening technique with an Ilizarov mini-fixator.

[PURPOSE] The purpose of this study was to introduce the thumb reconstruction technique both by microsurgical reconstruction using a great toe transfer and dual bone lengthening technique with an Ilizarov mini-fixator for the fingers.

[METHODS] The great toe was transferred to the amputated thumb, followed by a bone lengthening procedure for the residual metacarpal bone to enable easy pinching. During the metacarpal bone lengthening, osteotomy was performed at two sites to shorten the period of bone fusion.

[RESULTS] The great toe transfer was performed successfully and metacarpal bone fusion was achieved earlier than usual by dual osteotomy technique, allowing the patients to eventually resume their previous jobs.

[CONCLUSION] Our procedure reported herein, i.e., great toe transfer by microsurgery + dual osteotomy distraction lengthening, seems to serve as a useful procedure for thumb reconstruction from both cosmetic and functional improvement.