Finger Transplantation from Foot to Hand

Finger Transplantation from Foot to Hand and the Most Frequently Asked Questions

• • What are the most common causes of finger amputation?
    The leading cause of finger amputation is workplace accidents. This is followed closely by traffic accidents and amputations due to burns. Other causes include finger amputations due to tumors and birth defects.

• In toe-to-hand finger transplantation, which finger is transplanted where?
  Complex and specialized toe-to-finger transplantation operations are an extremely effective method for reintegrating individuals into work and social life and restoring hand function. In this method, a toe is usually transplanted to replace a missing thumb in adults, as the big toe is more suitable for a thumb in terms of both strength and size. In children, the second toe of the foot is often used to create the thumb. Another advantage of transplantation in children is the growth potential of the transplanted finger. As the child develops, the transplanted finger improves in function, sensation, and size, becoming compatible with the other fingers.
• What processes are involved in toe-to-finger transplant surgeries?
  The primary goal in finger transplantation is to reconstruct the thumb. Plastic surgeons then aim to create the index and middle fingers to assist the thumbs in gripping and holding functions. The number of fingers to be transplanted depends on whether the affected hand is dominant or non-dominant, and on the patient’s profession. If the patient is right-handed and all fingers on the right hand have been severed, the thumb, index, and middle fingers are reconstructed to restore the hand’s function. If the less used hand is injured, reconstructing only the thumb and index finger may suffice.

  The primary goal of all Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialists in finger transplantation procedures is to enable patients to live independently in their daily work and social activities.

  Finger transplantation from toe to hand, a lengthy and highly complex operation, typically involves two teams. The first team prepares the toe to be transplanted using microsurgical techniques. Simultaneously, the other team prepares the hand to which the toes will be transferred, including the blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and bone. The bones and tendons in both the hand and the transplanted finger are then secured. Finally, the blood vessels and nerves are sutured together using microsurgical techniques under a surgical microscope. Sometimes, the transplanted big toe may be thicker; in this case, thinning procedures can be performed either in the same session or in subsequent sessions to match the thicker toe.

• What are the results of finger transfer from toe to hand?
  Success rates for finger transplants from the foot to the hand have reached up to 95% with today’s technology. The experience of the surgical team is crucial. In addition, the severity of the injury and the degree of damage to tissues and vessels are also factors affecting surgical success. The transplant procedures are of immense value considering the functions they will restore to the patient’s life. In some accidents, a person may lose all the fingers on both hands. This sudden and devastating event causes psychological distress. However, after a finger transplant, the patient regains most of their motor functions and becomes able to perform daily tasks independently. As a result, the person who lost their fingers regains their self-confidence and returns to their social life after the transplant.
• When should toe-to-finger transplantation be performed?
  If a person who has lost a finger is fully motivated for the operation and the injury to the hand is not severe—meaning the tissues to be used are not heavily crushed or damaged—the transplant can be performed within a few days of the injury. If the transplant is not performed within the first few weeks, it can be done later depending on the situation. The important thing here is that the patient is informed about the possibility of such a solution, as there is no specific time limit for performing a transplant. For example, a finger transplant from the toe to the hand could still be a solution for someone who lost their fingers many years ago.

The general advice that expert doctors give to parents is as follows:

If a baby needs a finger transplant, absolutely do not delay. To prevent potential psychological problems in children later in life, immediately begin researching finger transplant procedures from toe to hand.

In cases of congenital anomalies, a transplant is usually scheduled after the first year. After one year of age, if more than one finger needs to be transplanted in infants, the transplant is completed in one or several sessions. Expert doctors advise parents to have the transplant procedures done before the child reaches school age to prevent potential psychological problems later in life.

• How does a patient feel after the finger transfer from their foot to their hand is completed?
  In our daily lives, we may not be fully aware of the functions of our hands and fingers. We can understand the difficulties faced by people without hands and fingers by simply thinking for five minutes about the things we do using our hands and fingers that we wouldn’t be able to do without them. Knowing that a transplant procedure can restore the quality of life these people experience to its previous state makes them incredibly happy. Of course, sometimes patients may experience problems with tissue healing or physical therapy in the early stages after surgery, but the long-term benefits of toe-to-hand finger transplants are far, far more valuable.