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Reconstruction of a floating thumb with an excess big toe
T Harashina1, T Inoue, T Fujino
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Japan.
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Microsurgical toe-to-thumb transfer in a child resulted in excellent aesthetics and near-normal growth after nine years. However, functional outcomes were limited, highlighting the need for early surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Background:
- Congenital absence of the thumb presents significant functional and aesthetic challenges.
- Microsurgical reconstruction offers a potential solution for thumb hypoplasia or aplasia.
Observation:
- A three-year-old girl with a congenital floating thumb underwent microsurgical transfer of an excess big toe.
- The reconstructed thumb was assessed nine years post-surgery.
Findings:
- The reconstructed thumb exhibited excellent aesthetic outcomes and near-normal longitudinal growth compared to the unaffected side.
- Despite positive aesthetic and growth results, the patient demonstrated limited functional dexterity with the reconstructed thumb.
Implications:
- Early surgical intervention is crucial for optimizing functional recovery in toe-to-thumb transfers.
- Further research into post-operative rehabilitation protocols may enhance functional outcomes in pediatric patients.