title: Thumb reconstruction with a free neurovascular wrap-around flap from the big toe: long-term follow-up of thirty cases.
abstract: From March 1982 to December 1992, 30 cases of thumb reconstruction with a free neurovascular wrap-around flap from the big toe were performed at Korea University Hospital. Twenty-nine of a total of 30 cases were successful and obtained excellent functional and cosmetic results. Postoperative complications included 1 case of graft failure, 6 partial skin necroses, 1 malunion, and 15 cases of resorption of iliac bone graft including 1 case of fatigue fracture of grafted bone. Even for the first metacarpal neck amputations, thumb reconstruction with a free neurovascular wrap-around flap was possible; however, limitation of motion of the reconstructed thumb and resorption of the grafted bone occurred. Thumb reconstruction with a wrap-around free flap from the big toe gives excellent cosmetic and functional results and causes minimal morbidity on the donor site.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Korea University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Chae
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Hahn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000637:transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014034:Toes / Q000601:surgery