Aesthetic reconstruction of thumb or finger partial defect with trimmed toe-flap transfer.

A new concept of esthetic reconstruction for partial loss of distal finger segment was introduced. In a series of 77 patients, 80 thumb or finger partial defects of lateral, dorsal, or volar half, or composite tissue defect of the finger body were reconstructed with lateral skin-nail flap, dorsal skin-nail flap, pulp flap, or composite tissue transplant taken from corresponding part of the toes. The blood circulations were reestablished by anastomosing digit arteries of the toe transplants and fingers. Seventy-eight fingers in 75 patients of this series were successfully reconstructed. The overall survival rate was 97.5%. Follow-up examinations made half to 12 years postoperatively showed normal length, outward appearance, and function of the reconstructed digits. Their nails are preserved or reconstructed. The pulps are full. Sweating is present. 2-PD was 4-6 mm. Esthetic reconstruction can achieve the goal of mending any part of tissue loss precisely with good result. Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.