ABSTRACT
Between February 1966 and February 1994, 400 cases of toe transplantation were analyzed,
to evaluate toe-transfer procedures in thumb and finger reconstruction. Techniques
utilized included single second-toe transfer, with and without the metatarsophalangeal
joint (299): second- and third-toe transfer (28); second-toe and third proximal phalanx
transfer (1); second-toe with flap transfers (66); and hallux nail flap with second
toe or second and third toe transfer (6). There was a survival rate of 96.5 percent,
with 386 cases surviving and 14 failing. A more than 2-year follow-up was possible
in 240 cases. Excellent motor and sensory function (more than 90 percent of normal)
was achieved in the reconstructed fingers and thumbs, as well as satisfactory function
(between 86 and 91 percent of normal) in the donor foot.
