Thumb reconstruction by free sensory flaps from the foot using microsurgical techniques

Four types of thumb reconstruction using microsurgical technique were performed in 23 cases; the dorsalis pedis flap, hemipulp (first web space) flap, wrap around flap, and toe-to-thumb transfer. The selection of which free sensory flaps should be used for thumb reconstruction is discussed. The selection of sensory nerves to be sutured as the donor and recipient nerves is based on the results of restoration of sensibility after free sensory flap transfers.