Finger reconstruction in children by the transfer of hand segments

Abstract

Aim. We aimed to evaluate the possibility of reconstruction of amputated fingers using various methods of hand segment transfer in children. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the reconstruction of the first and triphalangeal fingers of an injured hand using a segment transfer method in 31 children was performed. Eleven patients had a mechanical injury; 12, a gunshot injury; 7, a burn injury; and 1, a freezing injury. The reconstruction of 32 fingers was performed by the transfer of an intact triphalangeal finger (3), defective finger (3), finger stump (14), and a metacarpal (12). The surgery was performed using traditional (16) and original (16) methods. In 26 cases, skin grafting using donor resources from remote areas was required for segment transfer. Newly developed approaches enable the transfer of the defective finger and any stump of the main finger phalanges and metacarpals, irrespective of their location, amputation level, hand defect character, level of cicatrical changes of the soft tissues, and impaired circulation, while adequately preventing ischemic complications. Results. Survival of all the transferred segments, including those with total cicatrical tissue changes and vascular disruptions, was achieved. The analysis of results showed that handgrip was restored in 31 hands. The best results were achieved in the transfer of intact fingers. Transfer of the utile segments enabled the reconstruction of the double-sided grip with minimum donor retrieval. Two-point discrimination was 2 mm for finger transfer, 4.5 mm for finger stump, and 6.5–7.4 mm for the metacarpal stump. Conclusion. The transfer of injured hand segments in children for finger reconstruction provides acceptable functional and anatomical results. This method can be used in combination with other finger reconstruction methods. Advanced technical and tactical approaches have widened the criteria of segment suitability and indications for the use of this method.