Specific flaps for the thumb.

This article illustrates the use of local and distant flaps for the reconstruction of the thumb. The flaps available for thumb reconstructions, particularly of small defects, are often similar to those used in the fingers. However, they are rarely identical and have usually required modification to the particular needs of the thumb. These flaps and their modifications are, perhaps, as important as the few classic flaps used in larger thumb reconstructions, as many defects of the thumb are small and only a few are large. This article attempts to address all of these needs of thumb reconstruction, indicating when small flaps are suitable and when more extensive reconstructions are necessary.