[Vascularized joint transfer for finger joint reconstruction]

In a retrospective clinical study 16 vascularized joint transfers to the hand with an average follow-up of 8.2 (3 - 15) years were evaluated. The finger joint defect was caused by trauma in 12 patients, tumour in 2 patients and infection and congenital deformity in 1 patient each. There were 14 men and 2 women. The mean age range was 26 (2 - 42) years. In 6 cases a partial vascularized joint transfer was carried out, with the transplant being harvested in two cases from non-replantable finger according to the "tissue bank concept" according to Chase and in the other two cases from the PIP-joint of the second toe. In 10 patients a complete vascularized joint transfer was carried out, with the joint being harvested from the hand in 6 cases and from the 2nd toe in 4 cases. The following criteria were evaluated: active range of motion (neutral-0-method), postoperative arthritis, growth and complications. Active range of motion of the transplanted joint was for partial PIP-joint transfer Ex/Flex 0/20/65 degrees und for partial MP-joint transfer 0/20/30 degrees . After DIP-to-PIP-joint transposition active range of motion was measured Ex/Flex 0/20/60 degrees , after PIP-to-PIP transposition 0/30/60 degrees , PIP-to-MP-transposition 0/20/80 degrees and after MP-to-MP-transposition 0/20/57 degrees . The results after microvascular PIP-joint transfer from the 2nd toe for PIP-joint reconstruction were 0/25/58 degrees for PIP-joint reconstruction and 0/15/70 degrees for MP-joint reconstruction. Arthritic changes could be seen in 3 out of 4 patients with partial vascularized joint transfer. In all complete joint transfers there was no clinical and radiological evidence of arthritis even after 15 years. In the two skeletal immature patients at the time of transfer, normal growth compared to the contralateral donor site could be seen. In 8 out of 14 patients complications occurred. In 4 cases tendolysis of the extensor tendon was necessary. In 4 patients skeletal malalignment (3 x sagittal plane, 1 x rotation) was diagnosed. In one patient flexor pulley reconstruction was necessary in order to correct a bowstring deformity. Indications for vascularized joint transfer at the finger in children is set because of lack of therapy option offering normal growth potential. In adults vascularized joint transfer is indicated in case of contraindication for prosthetic joint replacement or arthrodesis.