Big-toe replantation in a three-month-old child: case report

A 3-month-old child underwent successful replantation of her big toe at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joint after traumatic amputation caused by a falling heavy object. The length of the big toe from the metatarsophalangeal joint to the tip was equal to that of the contralateral big toe at a 6-month follow-up. Within 4 months, pain sensation returned to the toe. Traumatic amputation of the big toe is uncommon and only a few articles have been published on its replantation. The case presented here is the youngest patient for big toe replantation in the literature. The big toe plays an important role functionally in walking and standing. In addition, the appearance of the foot without the big toe may be unacceptable from an aesthetic point of view for many people. Reconstructive microsurgeons should not hesitate to replant the big toe in suitable cases, even if patients are only a few months old.