Publication: Local Flap Reconstruction for Distal Thumb Amputations: A CaseSeries
Files
Date
2026
Article Type
Case Series
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
eISSN: 3102-0194 pISSN: 3102-0186
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 81 - 87
Publisher
Nepal APF Hospital
Abstract
Abstract:
Distal thumb amputations result in substantial functional impairment because of the thumb's critical role in grip, pinch and fine motor activities. Local flap reconstruction remains an important option when microsurgical replantation is not feasible. Twelve patients with traumatic distal thumb amputations underwent reconstruction using First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery flaps 5 (41.70%), Moberg flaps 3 (25%), V-Y advancement flaps 3 (25%) and a cross-finger flap 1 (8.30%). The mean age was 29.75 years (range: 16-48 years), and 10 (83.30%) patients were male. All flaps survived completely. Complications occurred in 2 (16.70%) patients and resolved with conservative management. Full range of motion was achieved in 9 (75%) patients, while 3 (25%) had mild restriction. All patients returned to their pre-injury occupations, with a mean return-to-work time of 8.5 weeks. Local flap reconstruction provides reliable soft-tissue coverage, satisfactory functional recovery and low complication rates in distal thumb amputations.
Description
Basanta Maharjan
Department of Orthopedics, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Imadole, Lalitpur, Nepal .
Dipendra Maharjan
Department of Orthopedics, Nepal Army Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal .
Shefali Shrestha
National Open College, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Ritesh Pokharel
Department of Orthopedics, Maya Metro Hospital, Kailali, Dhangadhi, Nepal.
Keywords
limb salvage, plastic surgery procedure, surgical flaps, thumb, traumatic amputation
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.64772/mjapfn.2.2.72