Composite metacarpophalangeal joint reconstruction in great toe-to-hand free tissue transfers

he recommended technique of skeletal fixation of great toe-to-hand free tissue transfers for thumb reconstruction is related to the length of the first ray present. When the entire first metacarpal is intact, fusion of the disarticulated great toe proximal phalanx to the metacarpal head has been described. Another possibility in this selected situation with cartilage present on the metacarpal head is to reconstruct a new metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint from a cuff of collateral ligaments and plantar plate on the proximal phalanx, anchored to the metacarpal head. In a series of 45 great toe-to-thumb transfers, eight were done with a composite MP joint reconstruction technique. A description of this technique and clinical results are presented. Based on the results in these patients, this technique should be considered as an alternative to joint fusion when the entire first metacarpal is intact.