title: First metacarpal lengthening following traumatic amputation of the thumb: long-term follow-up.
abstract: Thumb amputation is a relatively frequent injury in industrial accidents, producing a significant effect on hand function. The long-term results of 18 first metacarpal elongations in patients who had had a non-replantable thumb amputation at the metacarpophalangeal level are reported. Lengthening was performed using a unilateral external fixator. After a learning curve with a high complication rate and prolonged treatment, good functional results were obtained after some technical modifications, with eight patients returning to their previous occupation, and the rest requiring a change in their job.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Asepeyo, Alcalde Barnils s/n, Sant Cugat del Vallès 08190 Barcelona, Spain. mboschaguila@asepeyo.es
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bosch
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Granell
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Faig-Martí
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Henríquez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000601:surgery*; D001864:Bone Wires; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000637:transplantation; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome