Thumb is crucial finger for all hand functions as it contributes to 40%-50% of total hand functions. Thumb injuries are common and challenging because the restoration of the function in terms of opposition, sensation, length, stability, strength, mobility and cosmetic appearance should be considered. Understanding the Anatomy of the thumb bones, joints, ligament, muscles, tendons, nerves and blood supply is necessary in any reconstructive approach. Defects of the thumb should be evaluated carefully and could be classified by several classifications that help in choice of treatment plan. management includes conservative methods and varieties of surgical techniques which include use of skin grafts or local, regional, distant and free flap.
AIM OF THE WORK:
The aim of the study was to formulate an algorithmic approach that assesses traumatic thumb defects, evaluates different modalities for soft tissue reconstruction of these defects and to discuss the advantages and complications of each modality.
PATIENT AND METHODS:
This study was designed as a clinical trial that recruited 20 patients presented with thumb defects to Alexandria Main University Hospital from January 2022 to July 2023.The patients were then followed up for a period ranging from 3 to 10 months. Finger tip outcome score was objectively used for assessment of reconstruction method.