Download PDF
J Reconstr Microsurg 2005; 21(3): 161-165
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-869821
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Distraction Lengthening of the Thumb Following Replantation

Nathan E. Lesley1 , Miguel A. Pirela-Cruz2
  • 1Texas Tech University Medical School, Texas Tech Health Science Center, El Paso, Texas
  • 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Texas Tech Health Science Center, El Paso, Texas
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted: December 7, 2004

Publication Date:
06 May 2005 (online)

    Permissions and Reprints

ABSTRACT

Distraction lengthening is one of several surgical reconstructive methods used to obtain length of an amputated digit and to improve function. However, the use of this technique following replantation is a relatively new concept. A case of a 32-year-old male who sustained a traumatic amputation of his left nondominant thumb and index finger is described. The injury and the replantation surgery each resulted in a significant amount of bone loss from the thumb. Nine months following the replantation, distraction osteogenesis was utilized to lengthen the thumb and to improve both function and cosmesis.

KEYWORDS

Distraction lengthening - thumb amputation - replantation

REFERENCES

  • 1 Emerson E, Krizek T, Greenwald D. Anatomy, physiology, and functional restoration of the thumb.  Ann Plast Surg. 1996;  36 180-191
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Littler J W. On making a thumb.  J Hand Surg. 1976;  1A 35-51
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Heitmann C, Levin L. Alternatives to thumb replantation.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;  110 1492-1503
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Bouletreau P, Warren S, Longaker M. The molecular biology of distraction osteogenesis.  J Cranio-Maxillofacial Surg. 2002;  30 1-11
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Matev I B. Thumb reconstruction through metacarpal bone lengthening.  J Hand Surg. 1980;  5 482-487
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Skoulis T, Vekris M, Terzis J. Effect of distraction osteogenesis on the peripheral nerve: experimental study in the rat.  J Reconstr Microsurg. 1998;  14 565-574
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Heitmann C, Levin L. Distraction lengthening of thumb metacarpal.  J Hand Surg. 2004;  29B 71-75
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Nisanci M, Er E, Yildiz C, Turegun M, Atealp S, Sengezer M. Replantation of a crush amputation of distal tibia followed by lengthening with Ilizarov circular external fixator: two-year follow up.  Microsurgery. 2002;  22 295-299
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Brooks D, Buncke G, Buncke H. Distraction osteogenesis after toe-to-thumb transplantation.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;  109 2434-2438
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Vekris M, Bates M, Terzis J. Optimal time for distraction osteogenesis in limbs with nerve repairs: experimental study in the rat.  J Reconstr Microsurg. 1999;  15 191-201
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Papakonstantinou K, Shiamishis G, Bates M, Terzis J. Distraction osteogenesis using IGF-I after nerve microreconstruction.  J Reconstr Microsurg. 2002;  18 401-410
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar

Miguel A Pirela-CruzM.D. 

Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Texas Tech Health Science Center, El Paso, 79905

      >