Reconstruction of long length finger: A report of 10 cases

Objective To introduce the concept of long length finger reconstruction and our corresponding three operative methods. Methods In a series of 10 finger defect cases with one of their long finger amputated at or proximal to proximal phalanx, long finger reconstruction were accomplished with one of the three methods. First method: For emergency patients whose proximal finger segment were demolished, the donor second toe was transplanted intercalatedly with microsurgical technique between the original proximal finger stump and the saved distal finger segment. Second method: Bilateral second toes were harvested and connected together to form a long transplant in order to reconstruct a normal length finger. Third method: From one foot, the donor second toe is harvested with its dorsal and plantar skin flap. From the other foot, the second toe is harvested with its metatarsophalangeal joint and skin flaps from neighbouring sides of great and third toes. The skin covering will be perfect. During transplantation of the proximal transplant, the MPJ should be fixed at 90°plantar rotation position for better flexion. Results Uneventful survival of reconstructed fingers were obtained in all ten cases. Postoperative functional evaluation of the patients with standard set by Chinese Society of Hand Surgery showed to be excellent in 1 case, good in 5 cases and fair in 4 cases. The overall excellent/good rate was 60%. Conclusion By application of these three reconstruction methods, the challenging problem of long length finger can be solved to reasonable extent. Key words: Finger;  Toe;  Reconstruction;  Transplantation;  Microsurgical operation