ABSTRACT
Research Question The development of a method for one-stage toe-to-thumb transfer with the use of microvascular techniques
Funding Grants from the Microsurgical Unit, Ralph K. Davies Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, and the Microsurgical Transplantation Research Foundation and Clinical Investigation Center, Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA
Study Dates February 1972
Publishing Date 1973
Location San Francisco, CA
Subject A single case study of a 30-year-old man who amputated the right thumb of his dominant hand with a power saw and failed replantation
Exclusion Criteria Not applicable
Sample Size A single case study
Overview of Design Not applicable
Intervention One-stage transplantation of the great toe to the hand with microvascular anastomosis
Follow-up 6 months after surgery
Endpoints Survival of transplanted toe and functionality as a thumb
Results A 30-year-old fireman who amputated his right thumb with a power tool underwent a successful great toe-to-thumb transfer. The first metatarsal artery, medial and lateral digital nerves, and two dorsal veins were identified and taken when the toe was disarticulated and amputated at the metatarsophalangeal joint. A bone peg was used to attach the osseous structures. The vessels from the toe were anastomosed to the hand dorsal veins and palmar artery. The digital nerves and tendons were then repaired, and the area was closed with skin flaps from the hand (Fig. 26-1).1
