Osteoplastic Reconstruction of the Thumb. Technique and Results With More Than 6 Years of Follow-Up

Keywords: Thumb reconstruction, traumatic amputation, inguinoabdominal flap, iliac crest graft

Abstract

The thumb accounts for 40% of hand function, and its loss requires reimplantation or reconstruction. Although reimplantation is the ideal treatment, alternative options are necessary when it fails. Osteoplastic reconstruction constitutes a less complex and less invasive option. We present the case of a 58-year-old man who underwent osteoplastic thumb reconstruction following a failed re-implantation after a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) amputation. The surgical technique, clinical outcomes, and radiological findings after more than 6 years of follow-up are described. Conclusions: Osteoplastic reconstruction using an iliac crest graft and an inguinoabdominal flap is a safe and effective option for thumb reconstruction after failed MCP-level amputations. It provides good functional outcomes and is reproducible in settings without access to more complex reconstructive techniques.

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Author Biographies

Nadia Gabotto Loredo, Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Gonzalo M. Viollaz, Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Diego J. Gómez, Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Gustavo J. Teruya, Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Álvaro J. Muratore, Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Alejandro Tedeschi, Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Rafael Durán, Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Team, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

References

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Salah MM, Khalid KN. Thumb reconstruction by grafting skeletonized amputated phalanges and soft tissue cover – A new technique: A case series. Cases J 2008;1(1):22. https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1626-1-22

Moazin OM, Bhat TA, Suraya F, Alelyani RH, Assad M, Alazzmi HA, et al. Spiral wrap-around technique in the reverse radial artery fasciocutaneous forearm flap for thumb reconstruction: A report of an innovative technique. Cureus 2023;15(12):e50999. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.50999

Cheema TA, Miller S. One-stage osteoplastic reconstruction of the thumb. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg 2009;13(3):130-3. https://doi.org/10.1097/BTH.0b013e3181a819ed

Published
2025-12-27
How to Cite
Gabotto Loredo, N., Viollaz, G. M., Gómez, D. J., Teruya, G. J., Muratore, Álvaro J., Tedeschi, A., & Durán, R. (2025). Osteoplastic Reconstruction of the Thumb. Technique and Results With More Than 6 Years of Follow-Up. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 90(6), 570-577. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2025.90.6.2030
Section
Case Presentations

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