A case report of pollicization of traumatized index finger for reconstruction of traumatic amputation of the thumb

There are several choices for reconstruction of a traumatic amputation of the thumb. We report the case of a 38-year-old male patient who suffered from a right first ray amputation and right index finger stiffness after a crushing injury in June 1994 A toe to thumb transfer was proposed as the first option for reconstruction, but the patient refused this procedure. Pollicization of the damaged index finger for thumb reconstruction was, therefore, performed 6 months later, as an alternative technique. After 20 months of follow-up, the patient was satisfied with his hand s cosmetic appearance and the functional result. Pinch power was 6 lb. (67%) of the contralateral normal side) and gripping power was 18 kg (45% of the normal side). When compared with other techniques, pollicization is advantageous in that (1) it is a safe procedure requiring the shortest time of surgery, (2) good results are obtained more quickly, (3) a wider first web space can be achieved, and, most importantly, (4) the donor site morbidity is much lower. Pollicization is a useful option for the reconstruction of traumatic amputation of the thumb even when there is stiffness of the traumatized finger to be transferred, impairment of the thenar muscles, of loss of the carpometacarpal joint, and when toe to thumb transfer is not accepted by the patient.