Reconstruction of the Thumb after Traumatic Tissue Loss

The distinctive prehensile functions of the human hand are orchestrated by the thumb. Without a thumb, the hand lacks critical movements allowing for pinch, grasp, and fine manipulation. Based on the patient’s individual needs, occupation, and desires, thumb reconstruction should be offered to every patient with a traumatic amputation. Position, stability, mobility, and sensation command attention when reconstructing the absent thumb. We present the spectrum of various techniques available for reconstructing a useful thumb. This review contains 9 figures, 3 tables and 51 references.  Key words: Thumb; reconstruction, amputation, pollicization, toe transfer, metacarpal lengthening, webspace deepening