Bilateral Metacarpal Hands: Reconstruction With 6 Toe Transfers.

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Bilateral metacarpal hand injuries are extremely rare, but probably represent the most difficult reconstructive challenge in hand surgery. <b>Methods:</b> We discuss the various options for metacarpal hand reconstruction, including the Krukenberg procedure, bionic prostheses, multiple toe-to-hand transfers, and possibly hand transplantation, and present the long-term functional outcomes, gait analysis, and psychological evaluation after a 4-stage reconstruction of bilateral metacarpal hands in a child using 6 toe-to-hand transfers-bilateral great toe transfers to reconstruct both thumbs and bilateral combined second-third monobloc transfers to reconstruct 2 fingers in each hand. <b>Results:</b> Reconstruction of bilateral metacarpal hands with 6 toe transfers yielded excellent functional results and patient satisfaction. <b>Conclusions:</b> Bilateral metacarpal hand injuries result in a devastating functional deficit and a major psychological impact. Multiple toe transfers (4, 5, or 6) provide an excellent reconstructive outcome with acceptable donor site morbidity.