One-stage reconstruction of four fingers in children using microsurgical autotransplantation of foot tissue complexes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Toe-to-hand transfer is still the most promising and relevant method for restoring fingers that are missing from birth or after injury. In cases requiring the restoration of two or more digits, simultaneous transplantation of tissue complexes from both feet, including one or two toes, is possible and necessary. Thus, a maximum of four fingers can be restored during one operation. Such operations, according to the literature, are performed extremely rarely because they are very extensive and time-consuming.
 AIM: To present the results of simultaneous microsurgical autotransplantation of four toes to the hand in children with congenital and acquired pathologies.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used clinical, radiological, and biomechanical methods to assess the results of nine patients with congenital and acquired upper limb deformities who underwent simultaneous microsurgical autotransplantation of two tissue complexes from each foot, including toes II–III. The indications for performing this method of microsurgical reconstruction in children with the absence of four (or all five) fingers have been determined. The results, postoperative complications, and conditions of the donor and recipient zones were analyzed.
 RESULTS: To date, 914 such operations have been performed in children. In nine cases, four toes were simultaneously transplanted (two from each foot). The average age of the patients was 4.2 years. Two children had congenital malformations of the hand, and seven had consequences of trauma. In eight cases, fingers II–V were restored, and in one case, fingers I–IV were restored. Complications associated with impaired blood circulation in the grafts were observed in 22% of the cases; however, they were temporary. All transplanted grafts survived. All patients required continued surgical treatment after the toe transfer to improve their appearance and function. Biomechanical examination methods showed complete restoration of function on average of 4 months (±1 month) after surgery.
 CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the possibility and effectiveness of using toes for hand transfer in children with both congenital and acquired hand pathologies that require the restoration of four fingers. Simultaneous microsurgical transplantation of toes ensures the restoration of a good appearance of the hand and its functionality.