“Recycling Technique” for Single-Stage Metacarpal Hand Reconstruction

Keywords: Transmetacarpal amputation, hand reconstruction, toe-to-hand transfer

Abstract

Introduction: We present an innovative surgical technique for reconstructing a metacarpal hand following transmetacarpal amputation. The procedure consists of lengthening the fourth ray using the second metatarsal as a non-vascularized bone graft to create a functional opposition post, complementing a second-toe transfer to the hand. This approach allows reconstruction of a metacarpal hand in a single surgical stage and with a single toe transfer, thereby avoiding complications associated with additional bone-graft donor sites. We also describe the functional and aesthetic outcomes obtained in our sole case to date. No published reports of a similar technique were identified. Conclusions: Harvesting the metatarsal from the donor toe facilitates improved closure of the intermetatarsal space with a lower risk of donor-site complications, while also providing a non-vascularized bone graft that serves as an opposition mass for the transferred toe. This simplifies the surgical procedure and reduces the risk of complications.

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Author Biographies

Pablo E. Valle, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Cordoba, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Cordoba, Argentina
Lucas Fernando Loza, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
Nicolás Cardinal, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
Alejandro Fazio, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
Fernando J. Cervigni, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina

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Published
2025-12-27
How to Cite
Valle, P. E., Loza, L. F., Cardinal, N., Fazio, A., & Cervigni, F. J. (2025). “Recycling Technique” for Single-Stage Metacarpal Hand Reconstruction. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 90(6), 586-593. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2025.90.6.2027
Section
Nota técnica