Index transposition after resection of the long finger ray

Ten patients underwent index-to-long-finger ray transposition for repair after resection of the long finger ray. Care was taken to preserve the second web space and prevent painful neuromas. Rigid internal fixation was achieved with a T plate, and mobilization was started immediately. There were no nonunions. Postoperative motion was equal to preoperative motion in acute cases and equal or better in chronic cases. Mean grip strength was 0.65, and pinch strength was 0.78 compared with the uninjured hand. There were no painful neuromas, hypersensitive scars, or deterioration of monofilament or two-point sensibility. The breadth and appearance of the first and second web spaces were equal bilaterally. Digit alignment and rotation were normal. The six patients receiving worker's compensation returned to work in between 3 and 24 weeks, and the other patients returned in between 11 days and 12 weeks.