Microsurgical reconstruction of partial thumb defects

We have reconstructed thumb defects using microsurgical techniques in 43 patients. The flap survival was 100% and functional improvement with near normal appearance was obtained in the reconstructed thumbs. In order to obtain satisfactory results, donor sites were confined to the great toe and its adjacent structures and adventitia was removed from the vascular pedicle, which was transferred by subcutaneous tunnelling to minimize scar formation in the reconstructed thumb. The width of transferred nail and pulp volume were matched to the defect in the thumb before transfer.