Vascularized single toe joint transfer to the hand

We report a retrospective review of our series of thirty-one single joints harvested from the toe in twenty-six patients and transferred to the metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger. Twenty-six transfers were done in traumatic cases and five in congenital. Follow-up averaged 22.6 months. Average range of motion was from 17.1 degrees to 44.3 degrees, with an arc of 27.2 degrees. The congenital group had an average motion ranging from 14.4 degrees to 27.2 degrees and an arc of 12.8 degrees. The traumatic group's motion was from 17.6 degrees to 47.6 degrees and an arc of 30.0 degrees. Complication rates were significant, with fifty percent of the patients experiencing one or more complications. Although vascularized joint transfer is a demanding procedure, it provides a reasonable alternative to arthrodesis and with further refinement in technique may become a reliable treatment option.