Microsurgical transfer of the great toe to the radius to provide prehension after partial avulsion of the hand.

Transfer of the great toe to the radius proved to be an effective means of gaining the function of grasp in a patient with an incomplete amputation of the hand in which all the digital flexor tendons had been avulsed. The remaining stump consisted of the carpal bones and fragments of the second, third, and fourth metacarpals. A long, oblique osteotomy of the first metatarsal was designed so that it would abut with the palmar face of the radius. Power was supplied to the great toe by the flexor carpi radialis and the brachioradialis tendons. Sensibility was supplied by the median nerve and circulation was furnished by the radial artery and the cephalic vein.