Reanimation of thumb extension after upper extremity degloving injury treated with Integra.

Abstract

A case of severe degloving injury to the left hand with complete destruction of the extensor apparatus of the thumb and exposure of the IP joint is presented. The damaged area was resurfaced with the use of the Integra template and the abductor pollicis longus tendon, lengthened with a tendon graft provided by the extensor indicis, and used to restore thumb extension. The transfer was performed through a prefabricated sheath under the Integra resurfaced area in a two-staged procedure. The final result was functional and aesthetically satisfying.