Case Report: 35-Year Follow-up for Nonvascularized Toe Phalangeal Transfer for Multiple Digit Symbrachydactyly

Background: A case is discussed in which a young girl was born with symbrachydactyly of multiple digits in whom nonvascularized proximal toe phalanges were transferred to the aphalangic digits at the age of four. At 39 years of age, she presented incidentally to our clinic and was observed to have a very functional hand with mobile metacarpophalangeal joints in all reconstructed digits. Methods: We present a case report which is discussed in the context of long-term follow-up, and phalangeal growth in the absence of distraction, and a review of the current literature in regards to outcomes for this modality of treatment. Results: We document growth of the transplanted phalanges, despite surgery occurring after the reported optimum age of before 18 months, and the patient not undergoing distraction. The patient reported no donor site morbidity in regards to function or psychosocial impact. Furthermore, we observed active function at the metacarpophalangeal joints of all operated digits. Conclusions: We report the longest follow-up (35 years) following nonvascularized proximal toe phalangeal transfer for short finger type symbrachydactyly. We highlight the long-term functional outcome of nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfers, and present an overview of the current outcome literature for this type of procedure, advocating that nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfers remain a viable treatment option for select cases of symbrachydactyly.