Reconstruction of fingertip defects with great toe pulp grafts

Various methods have been used to treat fingertip defects that are caused when distal parts are amputated. In this study, we used the pulp graft harvested from the lateral aspect of the great toe. Between September 2004 and August 2006, the great toe pulp graft were performed on 16 patients. The ages of patients ranged from 4 to 58 years. The average follow-up duration was 28 months. Complete graft take was observed in 13 of 16 patients. Partial necrosis was observed in 2 patients, and total necrosis in 1 patient. The pulp graft was painless and the color and texture of the graft were similar to the adjacent skin. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and 2-point discrimination tests showed good recovery of fingertip sense. The scar of the fingertip was assessed by Vancouver Scar Scale and Cold intolerance by Visual Analog Scale and the results were satisfactory and also improved with time. The recipient site wasclosed with little scar. There were no gait disturbances. To conclude, the great toe pulp graft can provide soft-tissue and sensory recovery in fingertip defects.