Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Novel Triple-Loop Technique for Suturing TFCC Injuries without Transosseous Tunnel
Published on: May 23, 2025
Second-toe transfer for traumatic thumb amputation in children under 5 years: bone and soft-tissue growth
1Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Insights
Second toe transfers effectively reconstruct thumb amputations in young children, offering good functional recovery and growth. This safe procedure leads to fewer complications and better long-term outcomes for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Microsurgery
- Reconstructive surgery
Background:
- Posttraumatic thumb amputations in children under 5 are rare.
- Limited literature exists on long-term outcomes for this demographic.
- This study details clinical experience with second toe transfers for thumb reconstruction in young children.
Observation:
- The study included 9 children (7 boys, 2 girls) aged 1-5 years.
- The average age at transfer was 2.8 years, with follow-up ranging from 6 to 14 years.
- Avulsion injuries were the most common cause of amputation (33.3%).
Findings:
- All second toe transfers survived, achieving bone union.
- Static 2-point discrimination averaged 5 mm, indicating good sensory recovery.
- Transferred toes demonstrated substantial growth, enabling good prehensile pinch and grasp.
Implications:
- Second toe transfer is a highly effective reconstructive option for pediatric thumb amputations.
- This procedure reduces the need for secondary interventions in children.
- Late functional recovery is achievable with a favorable safety profile and high success rate.
Background:
Posttraumatic thumb amputations in children under 5 years are uncommon. The final clinical long-term results have been reported shortly in literature. We report our clinical experience in children under 5 years with traumatic amputation of the thumb that were reconstructed using a second-toe transfer.
Materials And Methods:
There were 7 boys and 2 girls between the ages of 1 and 5 years. The follow-up was between 6 and 14 years. The average age at the time of transfer was 2.8 years, and the average follow-up was 10.7 years (range, between 6 and 14 y). The most frequent cause of amputation was avulsion (33.3%).
Results:
All the transferred toes survived and achieved bone union and static 2-point discrimination was averaged at 5 mm. They acquired good prehensile pinch and grasp. All of the structures of the transferred toes showed substantial growth.
Conclusions:
Second-toe transfer for traumatic amputation of the thumb continues to be one of the best choices. Children require secondary procedures less often and in some cases late functional recovery can be expected. It is a safe procedure and there are fewer complications and a better success rate.
