title: Temporary ectopic implantation of digits prior to reconstruction of a hand without metacarpals.
abstract: Temporary ectopic implantation has been described for a variety of injuries, with several different implantation sites used. Although varied results have been achieved, many feel this technique has a role to play under special circumstances. We describe the ectopic implantation of digits to the contralateral forearm, with subsequent reconstruction of the injured hand when combined with microvascular toe transfer. The outcome was a functionally useful hand which could be incorporated into daily life, and a cosmetic appearance preferable to that of amputation. We feel ectopic implantation still has a valuable role to play in carefully selected cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Tomlinson
authors.forename: M S U
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Kay
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome