ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of anterograde fascial flap of digital artery in reconstruction of Wassel Ⅳ-D thumb duplication.MethodsTwelve cases of Wassel Ⅳ-D thumb duplication were treated with anterograde fascial flap of digital artery between June 2014 and March 2017. There were 7 boys and 5 girls with an age of 9-32 months (mean, 13.3 months). Eight cases were on the left side and 4 cases on the right side. The main bunion bed width was 70%-85% of the healthy side (mean, 75.3%). The degree of fullness was 50%-75% of the healthy side (mean, 62.4%). The anterograde fascial flap with one proper digital artery was used to fill the nail fold on the radial side of the finger and increase the circumference of the finger. At last follow-up, the ratio of circumference of deformed finger to contralateral finger was measured at the base of nail. The appearance and function of all reconstructed thumbs were evaluated with Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (JSSH) scoring.ResultsAll the operations were successfully completed without early complications such as infection and skin necrosis. All children were followed up 7-27 months (mean, 14.3 months). At last follow-up, there was no recurrence of deformity in the digital body and no obvious change of scar contracture in the surgical wound. Pulp and nail fold symmetry improved in all cases. The ratio of circumference of deformed finger to contralateral finger was 93%-96% (mean, 94.7%). The JSSH score was 15-20 (mean, 17.9); the results were excellent in 8 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 2 cases.ConclusionThe anterograde fascial flap of digital artery is a safe and effective approach to restore symmetry for esthetic improvement in treatment of Wassel Ⅳ-D thumb duplication.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of soft tissue balance technique by flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon transfer for Wassel Ⅳ-D thumb duplication in children. Methods A clinical data of 14 children with Wassel Ⅳ-D thumb duplication met the selection criteria between January 2017 and January 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 boys and 9 girls with an average age of 21.6 months (range, 18-35 months). Ten cases were left hand deformity and 4 cases were right hand deformity. During operation, the radial thumb was excised, and the FPL tendon of the radial thumb was used to reconstruct the soft tissue balance of the ulnar thumb. Postoperative evaluation included the range of motion (ROM) of passive flexion and extension of the interphalangeal joint (IP) and metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP), the alignments of the IP and MCP, the percentage of the width of the nail plate and the circumference of the thumb at the level of the IP to contralateral thumb. Results All operations were completed successfully, and all incisions healed by first intention. The children were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 21.7 months). At last follow-up, the ROM of passive flexion and the deviation of the IP, and the deviation of the MCP significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); the ROM of passive extension of the IP and the ROM of passive flexion of the MCP did not significantly improve when compared with those before operation (P>0.05). The ROMs of passive extension of the MCP were 0° before and after operation. The width of the nail plate was 76.6%±4.1% of the unaffected side, and the circumference of the thumb at the level of the IP was 92.0%±9.1% of the unaffected side. ConclusionThe soft tissue balance technique by FPL tendon trasfer can effectively correct the alignment of the Wassel Ⅳ-D thumb duplication in children, and maintain the correction effect effectively, but further follow-up and comprehensive evaluation are needed to investigate the long-term effectiveness.
The simple ablation of the duplicated thumb might have some residual deformities after operation that often leads to functional disorders of the hand. Since 1988, the postoperative disorders in 9 patients were treated. The plastic surgery was performed for the adduction of the thumb, lateral deviation and insufficient after plastic repair of the hand. The configuration and the function of the thumb were satisfactory.
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of minimally invasive small incision surgery under local anesthesia for pediatric stenosing tenovaginitis of thumb. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of children with stenosing tenovaginitis of thumb who received small incision tendinolysis under local anesthesia at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2013 and August 2022, to evaluate and analyze the safety and effectiveness of the surgery. Results A total of 949 pediatric patients were included, with an average age of (3.23±1.92) years. The average duration of surgery was (7.0±2.5) minutes, and the average follow-up time was (3.91±5.32) months. All patients did not need to fast for solids and liquids before surgery, and were immediately discharged from the hospital after outpatient surgery. The family members of the patients were highly satisfied with the treatment process and postoperative recovery. All patients had no nerve or vascular damage, and the wound margin skin showed linear healing with mild scars that fused with palm prints. There were 825 cases (86.93%) of children with thumb function fully restored to normal, 113 cases (11.91%) with limited maximum dorsiflexion function of the thumb, and 11 cases (1.16%) with recurrent stiffness of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. Conclusion Small incision tendinolysis under local anesthesia is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric stenosing tenovaginitis of thumb, with high satisfaction among the patients’ family members.
Reconstruction of missing thumbs or fingers remains one of the most demanding challenges in hand surgery. Over the past century, toe-to-hand transplantation has evolved from early experimental pedicled transfers into a highly refined microsurgical procedure, now widely regarded as the “gold standard” for restoring hand function. This article reviews the historical and technical development of toe transplantation—from Nicoladoni’s pioneering concepts in the late 19th century, through Dr. YANG Dongyue’s landmark second-toe transfer performed in 1966, to contemporary Chinese contributions such as the “total-shape reconstruction” paradigm. Modern surgical practice incorporates individualized strategies and advanced techniques, including Dr. GU Yudong’s supplemental vascular-supply design and Dr. CHENG Guoliang’s dual-pedicle bridging method, which collectively enhance functional recovery, aesthetic outcomes, and reliability. Emerging innovations such as three-dimensional-printed osseous scaffolds, artificial intelligence-assisted surgical planning, and tolerance-oriented transplant engineering are further driving the field toward greater precision, reduced morbidity, and improved long-term results.
Two hundred and twenty-two toes to hands free transfers have been performed in our clinic from January 1973 to May 1992 with a 100 percent successful results obtained. The authors developed the extended toe free transfer technique,and this technique was used in 40 cases.Six types of extended toe transfer can be designed to carry out complicated thumb or other finger reconstructions.Keys to successful toe-to-hand transfers are as followings: Evaluation of a three-points and one line pulsation on the donor foot can be used to localize the course of the first dorsal metatarsal artery . The first dorsal metaltarsal artery is best dissected and exposed in the retrograde direction. The toe must obtain good blood perfusion before its transplantation and close postoperative monitor.
Objective To investigate the cl inical effect and operative method of local island flap for complex thumb mutilation with soft tissue and blood vessel defect. Methods From May 2003 to March 2006, 6 cases of complex thumb mutilation with soft tissue and blood vessel defect were treated with local island flap. There were 4 males and 2 females aged 14-48 years, with an average of 23.5 years, among whom 2 cases were caused by triangular bandage twist, 3 cases by machinesavulsion and 1 case by explosion. Five cases suffered thumb mutilation of soft and blood vessel defect only, and 1 case was combined with middle and ring finger injures. The defect was located in pulp soft tissue in 4 cases and in dorsal soft tissue in 2 cases, ranging 2.0 cm × 1.2 cm-2.5 cm × 1.8 cm in size. The time from injury to operation varied from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Two cases were replanted with bridging index finger radial is digital artery island, 2 cases were repaired by ring finger radial is digital artery island and 2 cases by index finger near dorsi-flap. The flap was 2.0 cm × 1.4 cm-2.5 cm × 1.8 cm in size. Free-skin graft from forearm was conducted. Results All flaps free skin and replanted thumbs in 6 cases survived completely, following up for 6-24 months after operation. The flaps and thumb had good texture and color match, two-point discrimination was 10-12 mm on thumb pulp and 8-10 mm on flap. All replanted thumb recovered satisfied function, there were no donor site dysfunction. According to the criteria for function assessment of amputated finger issued by the Branch of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medicine Association：4 cases were regarded as excellent and 2 as good. Conclusion Local island flap is capable of repairing complex thumb mutilation with soft tissue and blood vessel defect, maximizing the recovery of thumb appearance and function.
ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of surgical treatment of congenital type V thumb syndactyly. MethodsBetween March 2010 and May 2015, 12 cases of congenital type V thumb syndactyly were treated. There were 7 males and 5 females, aged from 1 to 25 years (mean, 8 years). The right thumb was involved in 8 cases, and the left thumb in 4 cases. There were 2 cases of radial type, and 10 cases of ulnar type. The basement of polydactylism was far away from the carpometacarpal joint in 7 cases, and was close to the carpometacarpal joint in 5 cases (slight ulnar deviation in 1 case). X-ray films showed that the main first thumb metacarpal bone and trapezium fitted well, and 2 cases had the first metacarpal bone deformity. Preoperative individualized treatment plan was made, and polydactylism was excised by the "S" or "Z" incision and simultaneous reconstruction of thenar muscle insertions or adductor muscle insertions was performed; if necessary, wedge osteotomy was used for correction. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention with no complication. All cases were followed up 6 to 24 months (mean, 12 months). The thumb appearance, flexion and extension, the function of opposition, abduction function were improved significantly in 11 cases with no scar contracture deformity, small first web space, and deviation deformity. One case had slightly narrow first web space. According to hand function criterion, the results were excellent in 10 cases, good in 1 case, poor in 1 case; excellent and good rate was 91.7%. ConclusionBased on the condition of the type V thumb syndactyly, the individualized treatment plan is made, which can better restore the shape and function of the thumb.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of thumb blocking technique through closed reduction of ulnar Kirschner wire threading in the treatment of Gartland type Ⅲ supracondylar humerus fractures in children. MethodsThe clinical data of 58 children with Gartland type Ⅲ supracondylar humerus fractures treated with closed reduction of ulnar Kirschner wire threading by thumb blocking technique between January 2020 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 males and 27 females with an average age of 6.4 years ranging from 2 to 14 years. The causes of injury were falling in 47 cases and sports injury in 11 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged from 24.4 to 70.6 hours, with an average of 49.6 hours. The twitch of ring and little fingers was observed during operation, the injury of ulnar nerve was observed after operation, and the healing time of fracture was recorded. At last follow-up, the effectiveness was evaluated by Flynn elbow score, and the complications were observed. Results There was no twitch of the ring and little fingers when the Kirschner wire was inserted on the ulnar side during operation, and the ulnar nerve was not injured. All children were followed up 6-24 months, with an average of 12.9 months. One child had postoperative infection in the operation area, local skin redness and swelling, and purulent secretion exudation at the eye of the Kirschner wire, which was improved after intravenous infusion and regular dressing change in the outpatient department, and the Kirschner wire was removed after the initial healing of the fracture; 2 children had irritation at the end of the Kirchner wire, and recovered after oral antibiotics and dressing change in the outpatient department. There was no serious complication such as nonunion and malunion, and the fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 6 weeks, with an average of 4.2 weeks. At last follow-up, the effectiveness was evaluated by Flynn elbow score, which was excellent in 52 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 96.6%. ConclusionThe treatment of Gartland type Ⅲ supracondylar humerus fractures in children by closed reduction and ulnar Kirschner wire fixation assisted with thumb blocking technique is safe and stable, and will not cause iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of one-stage metacarpal osteotomy, thumb opponensplasty and polygonal flap reconstruction in the treatment of congenital spade hand deformity. MethodsEight cases of congenital spade hand were treated between January 2013 and March 2017. There were 5 males and 3 females, with an average age of 17.5 months (range, 13-35 months). The clinical manifestations of all the children were congenital spade hand and the affected hand was shorter than the healthy side. The contralateral hand was normal and there was no chest, skull, or facial deformity. The operation was performed with metacarpal osteotomy and thumb opponensplasty, and through the dorsal metacarpal rectangular flap to reconstruct the first web and through rotation of polygonal skin flap to reconstruct thumb web and lateral fold of thumb index nail. The dorsal ulnar and proximal radial segment of thumb were repaired by skin grafting. A vernier caliper was used to measure the first web space and the thumb function was evaluated by modified Tada score. ResultsThe reconstruction of palmar function and the formation of first web were completed in one stage in 8 children. Skin grafting on the dorsal ulnar side of thumb and radial side of index finger survived after operation. All the children were followed up 13-29 months, with an average of 16.1 months. There was no infection, skin flap necrosis, lateral deviation of thumb, scar contracture, or other complications. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in skin color between the healthy side and the first web of the affected hand. The opening distance of first web space was 3.5-5.0 cm, with an average of 4.2 cm. According to the modified Tada scoring system, the results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. The thumb could grasp and pinch actively, and the palm opposition function was good. ConclusionOne-stage thumb opponensplasty combined with polygonal flap for reconstruction of congenital spade hand deformity can improve hand function very well. The reasonable designing of skin flap can effectively cover important areas, and the operation is safe and reliable.