Long-term donor site outcome after second toe transfer for congenital hand differences

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Plastic Surgery
• Pediatric Hand Surgery

Background:

• Congenital hand differences often require reconstructive surgery.
• Toe transfers, specifically second toe transfers, are a common method for hand reconstruction.
• Long-term donor site (foot) outcomes are crucial for overall patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term donor site outcomes following second toe transfers.
• To assess clinical, radiological, and functional results in the foot after these procedures.
• To determine patient satisfaction and identify any potential complications.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 18 patients with 25 second toe transfers underwent long-term follow-up (mean 17.4 years).
• Clinical examinations, radiological assessments, and gait analysis were performed.
• Patient-reported outcome measures were collected.

Main Results:

• Patients remained asymptomatic with no adverse clinical or radiological findings at the donor site.
• High levels of patient satisfaction were reported, irrespective of surgical details.
• No postoperative complications or late reoperations on the foot were observed.

Conclusions:

• Second toe transfer is a safe and effective procedure with excellent long-term donor site outcomes.
• The procedure does not negatively impact foot function or cause long-term morbidity.
• This reconstructive option provides durable and satisfactory results for congenital hand differences.