One-stage reconstruction of complicated thumb injury with combination of microsurgical transplantations.
Complicated thumb loss of the hand still remains a great challenge to hand and microsurgeons. In this article, we report our technique and outcomes in 10 cases using one-stage microsurgical procedures. In each case, three tissue transplants in combination with a sequential vascular anastomoses was performed, i.e. the second toe for the thumb, the extensor digitorum brevis for thenar opponent muscle, and the anterolateral thigh flap for the first web space, and adjacent soft tissue defects. All the transplants survived eventually. After an average of 6 years follow-up, the results were very inspiring. Combined tissue transfer can hasten patient recovery and improve functional outcomes. However, this method needs meticulous technique and great experience in microsurgery.
Cong
Hai-Bo
HB
Department of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Wendeng Chinese Orthopedic hospital, Shandong 264400, People's Republic of China. chbwdzg@yahoo.com.cn
Chang
Shi-Min
SM
Qiao
Yong-Ping
YP
Wang
Chen-Lin
CL
Sui
Hai-Ming
HM
Cong
Lu
L
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D014034:Toes / Q000637:transplantation*