Reconstruction of the transverse and dorsal-oblique amputations of the distal thumb with volar cross-finger flap using the index finger

We performed a retrospective review of 12 patients with dorsal oblique and transverse amputations of the distal thumb who were treated with a volar cross-finger flap from the index finger. The mean patient follow-up period was 28 months postoperatively (range: 19-43 months). There were no instances of flap loss, infection, or donor site complication in our series. The mean Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing scores on the injured thumb and the donor site were 0.65 g (range: 0.16-2 g) and 0.51 g (range: 0.16-1 g), respectively. The mean 2-point discrimination testing scores on the injured thumb and the donor site were 4.5 mm (range: 3-8 mm) and 4.3 mm (range: 3-7 mm), respectively. This study suggests that the volar cross-finger flap using the index finger is a reliable technique in repairing dorsal oblique and transverse amputations of the distal thumb. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV