One-stage cosmetic finger reconstruction using a second toe island flap containing terminal branches of the toe artery

IntroductionA finger reconstructed by toe transfer may have morphological defects. We report the results of second toe transfer for 1-stage finger reconstruction with an island flap based on terminal branches of the toe artery.HypothesisThe technique can improve the morphological outcomes of reconstructed fingers.Materials and methodBetween January 2008 and June 2011, toe-to-finger transfer was performed for 36 fingers in 31 patients. An island flap containing terminal branches of the toe artery was embedded in the neck of the second toe to eliminate the morphological defect caused by stenosis in that area.ResultsAll reconstructed fingers and all flaps survived. No donor site complications occurred. The mean follow-up was 8 months (range, 5 to 25 months). The morphology of the reconstructed finger was close to that of a normal finger, and a natural transition could be observed in the finger pulp, the finger neck, and the junction between the toe and the finger. Sensory recovery of the finger pulp ranged from S1 to S3+. The mean pinch strength of the reconstructed fingers was 48% to 60% of that of the contralateral side. The mean DASH scores were 52.9, 48.9, and 46.0 for patients that had the index, third, and fourth fingers reconstructed, respectively, and the lowest mean aesthetic score was 70.DiscussionThe method provides good aesthetic and functional outcomes, and overcomes aesthetic difficulties associated with other methods of toe transfer for finger reconstruction.Level of evidenceLevel IV.