Staged Reconstruction and Salvage of a Small Finger With a Corticocancellous Distal Radius Autograft: A Case Report

Finger reconstruction in the aftermath of severe trauma poses significant challenges in restorative surgery, particularly when addressing extensive soft tissue damage, comminuted fractures, and simultaneous neurovascular complications. This study presents a case of a patient with a complicated proximal phalangeal fracture who pursued digit salvage. A 31-year-old Hispanic woman sustained severe injury to her right fifth digit during an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rollover resulting in an exposed, comminuted fracture of the proximal phalanx with extensive structural and neurovascular compromise. She pursued digit salvage despite a high risk of failure and complication. The patient underwent four operations over a six-month period, including a distal radius corticocancellous autograft placement. Through multiple surgeries, we were successfully able to salvage the finger, resolve the patient's pain, and provide her with an aesthetically pleasing, functional result. This illustrates the importance of patient involvement in decision-making every step of the way.