title: A technique for the non-microsurgical reconstruction of thumb tip amputations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article aims to present a technique for thumb tip amputations using a homodigital soft-tissue/periosteum flap and a portion of the amputated digit.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients (aged 21-53 years) with avulsion thumb tip amputations were reviewed. We report a new technique in which a bone and nailbed composite graft was taken from the amputated portion of the thumb and a dorsoulnar flap combined with periosteum was harvested from the first metacarpal and designed to cover the volar bone. Patients were evaluated 6 months after surgery for functional and cosmetic outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The radiographic evaluation showed bone healing in all of the patients 5 weeks postoperatively. With regard to pulp reconstruction, there was good recovery of static two-point discrimination. For both the reconstructed area and the donor site, the final results were good in terms of reliability and coverage as well as from a cosmetic perspective.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique was found to be safe and effective. It is a good option for the non-microsurgical reconstruction of crushed and avulsed amputations of the distal thumb.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Dong
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Hongbin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Yunbo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Jiao
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Qingfeng
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009262:Nails / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D017535:Ulnar Artery / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult