BACKGROUNDFingertip defect significantly affects the appearance of the hand. The aim of this research was to evaluate the clinical effect of aesthetic fingertip reconstruction with partial second toe transfer.

METHODSBetween July 2005 and December 2008, 17 patients underwent aesthetic fingertip reconstruction with partial second toe transfer. The mean size of fingertip defects was 0.7 cm (ranging from 0.5 - 1.1 cm). Anastomosis was performed between one dominant plantar digital artery and one proper digital artery, between two dorsal digital veins of the toe and two dorsal digital veins of the finger, respectively, for the reconstruction of blood supply to the reconstructed finger. Two plantar digital nerves of the toe were then sutured to two proper digital nerves of the finger for the restoration of fingertip sensation.

RESULTSAll reconstructed fingers survived completely. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 24 months, and the appearance of the reconstructed fingertip was similar to that of the normal fingertip. Two-point discrimination of the reconstructed fingertip was (7.8 ± 1.3) mm. The recovered pinch strength of the reconstructed finger was about (89.0 ± 5.1)% of that of the normal finger. Donor site healed well without complications.

CONCLUSIONSPartial second toe transfer is an ideal aesthetic reconstruction method for fingertip defects; it can not only achieve a satisfactory appearance of the fingertip, but can also obtain excellent sensory and motor functions.