An Alternative Thumb Reconstruction by Double Microsurgical Transfer From the Great and Second Toe for a Carpometacarpal Amputation.

Thumb amputation at the carpometacarpal level is very incapacitating. Pollicization may be considered. We describe an alternate technique for thumb reconstruction at the level of the metacarpal base using a trimmed great toe along with a vascularized second metatarsophalangeal joint, including the second metatarsal, all supplied on a single vascular pedicle. Two patients who had a combined soft tissue defect and amputation of the thumb close to the carpometacarpal joint were reconstructed with this method. A transposition of the second toe was performed on top of the remaining proximal phalanx of the great toe to decrease donor site morbidity. This technique provides adequate length to the thumb without compromising another finger by creating a new thumb using a double microsurgical toe transfer on a single vascular pedicle. We minimize donor site morbidity by transposing the second toe onto the great toe.

Transferencia microquirúrgica hemipulpar del hallux en la reconstrucción del pulgar / Microsurgical great toe pulp transfer in thumb reconstruction

Introducción y Objetivo. La transferencia hemipulpar del hallux permite excelentes reconstrucciones de pulgar porque ofrece tejidos blandos de alta calidad, contorno pulpar casi normal y recuperación sensitiva satisfactoria sin necesidad de reorientación cortical. Además, a diferencia de colgajos locales y regionales, evita la agresión adicional a una mano ya lesionada, optimizando así el período de rehabilitación y el resultado final. El artículo revisa la experiencia del autor en la técnica y compara el procedimiento con otras opciones reconstructivas. Material y Método. Realizamos una revisión retrospectiva de 16 pacientes sometidos a transferencia hemipulpar del hallux en el período 2007-2013. Todos los pacientes fueron varones, con una edad media de 34 años y una alta demanda funcional (trabajadores manuales con traumatismo laboral). La técnica fue indicada en defectos mayores del 50% de la superficie pulpar del pulgar en pacientes sin factores de riesgo asociados relevantes. En 3 de los casos el defecto pulpar asoció un defecto óseo de falange distal de tamaño suficiente para aconsejar la transferencia combinada osteo-pulpar. Resultados. Quince de los 16 colgajos sobrevivieron sin incidencias postoperatorias. Un colgajo sufrió trombosis arterial con retirada del colgajo y cirugía adicional de cobertura. En 2 pacientes se realizó revisión estética del colgajo de manera diferida. Excepto en el caso fallido, todos los pacientes volvieron a su actividad laboral previa con excelente recuperación funcional de la mano. El cierre de la zona donante se realizó mediante cierre directo (12 pacientes) o injerto cutáneo (4 pacientes). Ninguno de los pacientes, independientemente del tipo de cierre del defecto en el pie, refirió problemas en la deambulación o apariencia estética del pie. Conclusiones. La reconstrucción de defectos pulpares del pulgar mediante transferencia hemipulpar del hallux permite un excelente resultado funcional y estético. El autor considera que la técnica está indicada en aquellos casos donde la utilización de colgajos locales/regionales no permite una reconstrucción óptima: defectos mayores de 50% de la superficie pulpar asociados o no a defecto significativo de la falange distal (AU)

Background and Objective. Hemipulp transfer from the hallux provides excellent thumb reconstructions because of its high-quality soft tissue, near normal pulp contour and satisfactory sensory recovery without the need for cortical reorientation. Moreover, unlike local and regional flaps, it avoids additional damage to an already injured hand, thus optimizing the rehabilitation period and final result. The manuscript analyses the author's experience with the technique and compares it with other reconstructive options. Method. Aretrospective chart review was made of 16 patients that underwent hemipulp transfer from the hallux in the period 2007-2013. All the patients were males, with a mean age of 34 years and a high functional demand (manual workers with working injury). The technique was indicated in defects larger than 50% of the pulp surface of the thumb in otherwise healthy patients. In 3 cases, the pulp defect associated a bone defect of the distal phalanx large enough to advise a combined osteo-pulp transfer. Results. Fifteen of the 16 flaps survived without postoperative complications. A flap complicated with arterial thrombosis and had to be removed with additional coverage surgery. Except for the failed case, all the patients could return to their previous work activity with an excellent hand function. Closure of the donor area was undertaken with direct closure (12 patients) or skin graft (4 patients). None of the patients, no matter the technique of closure of the donor area, reported issues with the ambulation or aesthetic appearance of their feet. Conclusions. The reconstruction of pulp defects of the thumb with hemipulp transfer from the hallux provides excellent functional and aesthetic results. The author considers the technique to be indicated in those situations where a local/regional flap does not allow an optimal reconstruction: defects larger than 50% of the pulp surface with or without a significant defect of the distal phalanx (AU)