Post-traumatic distal interphalangeal finger joint reconstruction using a free hemi-joint transfer from the fifth toe middle phalanx.

Abstract

We present three cases of finger distal interphalangeal joint reconstruction in children using a new donor site, the middle phalanx of the fifth toe, transferred as a non-vascularized graft. The patients were followed a minimum of 36 months with serial radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging and photographs. Alignment was improved and persisting growth was demonstrated in all cases. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the grafted phalanx and control toe showed comparable signals. The absence of a proximal epiphysis of these toe phalanges may have an important role in their survival after free transplantation, and may promote continued growth.