Reconstruction of a phalangeal bone using a vascularised metacarpal bone graft nourished by a dorsal metacarpal artery.

SUMMARY: We report on a patient with an infected nonunion of the left little-finger phalanges following a gunshot injury. The defect was treated by transplanting a partial fifth metacarpus, vascularised by the fourth dorsal metacarpal vessels. Bone union was obtained 6 months after surgery and no signs of infection were found at the site of the nonunion. Although the range of the interphalangeal joints of the finger was limited, the patient was satisfied because the preserved little finger had a metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint with unrestricted motion.