The functional results of post-traumatic metacarpal hand reconstruction with microvascular toe transfers

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the functional results of grip reconstruction after metacarpal amputation with microvascular toe transfer or transfers. The Sollerman hand function test and modified Tamai score were determined. Additionally, secondary objective outcomes were measured. As subjective outcomes, the patients were asked about pain, satisfaction, sensibility and activities of daily living (ADL). Complications and secondary operations were also recorded. An average of 12 years 5 months (range 11–270 months) follow-up of 8 patients (11 transfers) is presented. Sollerman hand function test averaged 54, range 36–73. The modified Tamai score averaged 63, range 54–70. All except one patient were either satisfied or highly satisfied. Patients’ perception of function in terms of ADL was generally good (average 26 out of 44) with many activities causing no difficulty or only slight difficulty. The study showed that it is possible to reconstruct a reasonable grip using microvascular toe transfers.