[Preservation and reconstruction of the thumb with the aid of microvascular surgery (author's transl)].

Report about two cases of severe injuries to the thumb. One severe crush injury was treated primarily; in the other case of complete amputation a late reconstruction was performed. Methods and modern concepts for these problems are discussed. The importance of long vein grafts in microsurgery is pointed out. The advantage of reconstructing all structures primarily is stressed. Good functional results are presented to support these concepts.