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Second toe-to-hand transplantation: A surgical option for hand amputations
1Profesor de Ortopedia y Traumatología. Cirugía de mano y microcirugía. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Bogotá, Colombia .
Colombia Medica (Cali, Colombia)
|August 27, 2015
Summary
Second toe to hand transplantation is a successful reconstructive surgery for finger amputations, offering excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes with minimal donor site morbidity. This procedure achieves a 100% success rate for restoring hand function.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Toe-to-hand transplantation reconstructs unique or multiple finger amputations using whole toes or toe-based flaps.
- It is a well-established option for thumb reconstruction.
- The second toe is frequently utilized for its suitability and minimal donor site impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of second toe to hand transplantation in patients with finger amputations.
- To assess graft survival and sensory recovery post-transplantation.
Main Methods:
- A series of patients underwent second toe to hand transplantation for one or more finger amputations.
- Graft survival was monitored, and sensory recovery was quantified using 2-point discrimination tests.
Main Results:
- Twelve toe-to-hand transplants were performed (8 thumb, 4 other fingers) on ten adults and two children.
- All transplants survived successfully, with two requiring tenolysis.
- Good sensory recovery was achieved, indicated by a 2-point discrimination of 8 mm.
Conclusions:
- Second toe transplantation is highly effective for proximal finger amputations, yielding success rates of 95-100%.
- This method results in minimal foot defects and good aesthetic outcomes.
- The procedure offers excellent aesthetic appearance and functional recovery, with no significant functional or aesthetic alterations at the donor site.
