Symmetry of vascular pedicle anatomy in the first web space of the foot related to toe harvest: clinical observations in 85 simultaneous bilateral second-toe transfer patients

The Foot as a Donor Site for Reconstruction in the Hand

The foot contains a unique collection of tissue types that can be used in the reconstruction of the hand. Numerous reconstructive options have been presented, some of which have been adopted, such as modifications to procedures that have been described in the past or even newly developed options for hand reconstruction. It is possible to reconstruct missing fingers and other hand structures using tissues taken from the foot rather than removing healthy tissue from a hand that has already been injured. This makes it possible to avoid having healthy tissue removed from an injured hand.

Using 320-detector row computed tomography angiography to investigate the arterial anatomy of the toe flaps on living humans

PURPOSE

Using 320-detector row computed tomography angiography (320-CTA) to investigate the arterial supply for the toe flaps, namely the anatomical characteristics of the dorsalis pedis artery (DPA), the first dorsal metatarsal artery (FDMA), and the arteries of the first toe web space (AsFTWS).

METHODS

This was a prospective study on CTA of 72 intact feet of 36 Vietnamese adults who had sequelae of thumb or metacarpal hand amputation, from June 2017 to December 2019, then preoperative CTA images were compared with surgical findings on 31 feet of 29 patients.

RESULTS

320-CTA was able to investigate the DPA, FDMA, and AsFTWS in 100% of cases. DPA was absent in 6.9% of cases. The average diameters at its origin and termination were 3.22 and 2.56 mm, respectively. For FDMA, the rates of Gilbert type I, II, and III were 52.8%, 18.1%, and 29.2%; the average diameters at its origin and termination were 1.98 and 1.67 mm, respectively. At the first toe web space, FDMA was dominant in 54.2% of cases; the first plantar metatarsal artery (FPMA) was dominant in 29.2% of cases; both arteries were equally dominant in 16.6%. The average diameter at the origin of the lateral plantar digital artery of the great toe was 1.48 mm, of the medial plantar digital artery of the second toe was 1.21 mm. Preoperative CTA images resembled the surgical findings in all cases. The survival rate of toe flaps was 100%.

CONCLUSION

The 320-CTA provided proper preoperative images in two and three dimensions, and helped surgeons to establish a preoperative surgical plan, thus increasing the success rate of toe transfer surgery.

Rationalizing the Vascular Anatomy for Oblique Osteotomy of the Metatarsal Head during Toe/Joint Transfers of the Metatarsophalangeal Joint

Background

The metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) of the lessor toe has been used to reconstruct the metacarpophalangeal joint. When an oblique osteotomy of the metatarsal head is performed, the orientation of the vascular pedicle is crucial to preserve the blood supply to the MTPJ. This study was conducted to identify the path of the nutrient artery to the MTPJ.

Methods

We reviewed our operative records in consecutive series of 45 patients during toe or joint harvest. Retrograde dissection of the vascular pedicle was performed starting from the distal communicating artery at the first webspace toward the first dorsal metatarsal and first plantar metatarsal arteries. All the vessels related to the MTPJ were explored and ligated if the MTPJ was not included in the flap.

Results

The condylar branches to the proximal phalanx and the metaphyseal branches to the second metatarsus were barely identifiable during the dissections. The articular branch running perpendicularly from the plantar artery toward the plantar surface of MTPJ was verified in all cases. The articular branches originated either from the first plantar metatarsal artery (92.1%) or from the tibial plantar digital artery (7.9%). The external diameter of the articular branches was around 0.5-1 mm. When the articular branch was included and preserved, the metatarsal heads oozed immediately after the flap was reperfused.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated the constant and sizable articular branch of the MTPJ that originates from the plantar artery system. The consistency of the vascular anatomy enables oblique osteotomies of the metatarsal head to be performed without fear of injury to the pedicle.

Microsurgical thumb repair and reconstruction

In this article, we review microsurgical reconstructive techniques available to treat thumb amputation at different levels based on our experience. We reference techniques used by other surgeons and identify the most suitable technique for different clinical situations. Indications and techniques for microsurgical partial or composite transfer of the great or second toe for thumb reconstruction are summarized. Different microsurgical transfer techniques suggest a great freedom of surgical choices. However, the choices are considerably restricted if all functional and cosmetic requirements are to be met. We recommend individualized surgical design and reconstruction because each case of thumb amputation is unique.

Does nerve repair influence the outcome of reconstruction of a digital nail defect using a free composite flap taken from the great toe?

We describe reconstruction of a nail unit defect in the finger using a free composite flap taken from the great toe, comparing the outcome in patients in whom neurorrhaphy between the dorsal digital nerve of the great toe and the dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve of the injured finger was performed to those in which no nerve repair was made. From January 2002 to March 2009, 47 patients with traumatic fingernail defects were treated. Twenty-two patients before February 2005 had no nerve repair and subsequently 25 patients had nerve repair. The mean size of the germinal matrix and sterile matrix defects was 9 × 8 mm, and the mean size of the nail bed flaps was 9 × 9 mm. The mean length of the arteries used for the flap was 2.2 cm. Outcomes were rated. In the nerve repair group, full flap survival was achieved in 24 patients. At the mean follow-up period of 25 months, there were 12 excellent, seven very good, four good, and two fair results. In the comparison group without nerve repair, there were seven excellent, four very good, four good, five fair, and two poor results. Donor site morbidities were similar in both groups. The use of a free composite flap taken from the great toe is a useful technique for reconstructing nail unit defects in the finger. Innervated nail flap reconstructions tended to show better outcomes than those in which no nerve repair was performed. There is no difference in function or donor site between those in whom the nerve was repaired compared with those in whom it was not repaired.

Reconstruction of distally degloved fingers with a cross-finger flap and a composite-free flap from the dorsum of the second toe

PURPOSE

In this article, we report the reconstruction of degloved fingers using a combination of a cross-finger flap and a composite-free flap from the dorsal aspect of the second toe.

METHODS

From May 2006 until April 2009, we treated 18 degloved fingers in 18 patients (13 male and 5 female patients; mean age, 22 y) using the technique. There were 11 index and 7 ring fingers. The mean volar and dorsal defects were 2.5 × 1.9 cm and 2.7 × 2 cm, respectively. The cross-finger flaps ranged in size from 2.3 × 1.6 cm to 3.5 × 2.6 cm, with a mean of 2.8 × 2.3 cm. The flaps from the dorsal second toe ranged in size from 2.4 × 2.1 cm to 4.5 × 2.3 cm, with a mean of 3.0 × 2.2 cm. At follow-up, we assessed motion and sensation.

RESULTS

All cross-finger and free flaps survived. At final follow-up (mean, 17 mo; range, 14-25 mo), motion in the injured fingers averaged 102° and 28° at the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, respectively. The mean static 2-point discrimination of the reconstructed finger pulps was 5 mm (range, 4-7 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a cross-finger flap and a composite-free flap from the dorsum of the second toe is a useful and reliable technique for reconstruction of a degloved finger.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Thumb reconstruction with toe transfer

Microsurgical toe transfer has become a gold standard option for amputated thumb reconstruction. It can be used to correct almost any thumb defect. However, for optimal functional and esthetic results, proper initial care, preoperative planning, proper selection of suitable techniques, adjunct or secondary procedures and proper, postoperative rehabilitation are important.