When the index finger is injured or severed with a traumatic thumb amputation, transfer of the injured index finger can restore the function of the thumb. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the result of the transfer of an injured index finger for the traumatic loss of the thumb. A patient had a traumatic amputation at the first metacarpal level with the bone defect of the second metacarpal and proximal part of index finger. She was treated with a pedicled transfer of the injured index finger to the ipsilateral thumb. Postoperative evaluations included thumb range of motion, opposition and pinch function, grasp and pinch strength, sensation, and a patient-rated appearance of the thumb and hand. In result, the blood supply of the transferred traumatic index fingers was normal, and the transferred index fingers survived without complications. The range of motion of the first metacarpophalangeal joint and interphalangeal joint was almost the same as that of a normal thumb. The opposition and pinch function of the thumb was also normal. The patient is able to complete activities of daily living with the new thumb. Nevertheless, the sensation has not yet been completely restored. In conclusion, it is feasible to treat traumatic thumb amputation with the transfer of injured index finger.
Keywords: anterolateral thigh flap transfer; index pollicization; thumb reconstruction; trauma.