Replantation of the Great Toe

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2004;13(1):7-13.
Published online May 31, 2004.

Joo Sung Kim, M.D., Sun O You, M.D., Jun O Yoon, M.D.*, Jin Sam Kim, M.D.*, Sang Hyun Woo, M.D., Gi Jun Lee, M.D.

족무지 재접합술

김주성·유선오·윤준오*·김진삼*·우상현·이기준

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present the clinical analysis of the results and our experience of the replantation surgery of the great toe.
Materials and Methods: Between March 1995 and December 2002, twelve great toes, amputated from the distal phalanx to proximal phalanx were replanted. The complete types were 5 cases and incomplete types were 7 cases. The guillotine injuries were 4 cases and the crushing injuries were 8 cases.
Results: Replantation in eleven out of the twelve amputations survived. The cases of revision were 3 cases due to venous thrombosis. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 2.2 years. The mean total active motion of the first MTP joint was 80°. The fusion of IP joint was carried in 7 cases due to the amputation of the IP joint level. The shortening of the replanted great toes was present, with average 0.9cm. The two point discrimination was 7-8mm except 2 cases with loss of nerve.
Conclusion: Although replantation of the great toe remains to be controversial, replantation of the great toe should be considered in well-motivated patients because successful replantation regains an important component of the foot and good functional, cosmetic results.

Key Words: Great toe, Replantation