Combined index finger pollicization with an anterolateral thigh flap for thumb reconstruction

A severe crush injury to the hand is devastating to patients. Under conditions in which the crush force is too great, the digits are not viable candidates for replantation. We present two cases in which the patients suffered from loss of the thumb ray at the first carpometacarpal joint and skin defect at the radial side. The tendons, radial nerve and metacarpal bone of the index finger were injured, and the second metacarpal head was retained. There was a comminuted fracture of the trapezium in both patients. The treatment protocols consisted of the index finger pollicization and the free anterolateral thigh flap transfer. The procedure was performed in a single operation. The new thumb is able to provide a stable post for pinch and grip after six months follow-up. Both patients were satisfied with the function and appearance of the reconstructed thumb.