RESULTS:: Of the 3 survey groups and 6 functional dimensions, there was no statistically significant difference in function between the toe transfer children and the normal pediatric population in 13 of the 18 groups (72%). Adolescent toe transfer patients reported decreased upper extremity function and transfer/basic mobility and parents of adolescents reported decreased upper extremity function, sports/physical function, and global function. Parents significantly underestimated their adolescent children's function in terms of sports/physical function and happiness. Scores did not significantly differ between the congenital or traumatic indications for toe-to-hand transfers.
CONCLUSIONS:: Children with congenital or traumatic missing or hypoplastic digits who undergo reconstruction by microsurgical toe-to-hand transfer can achieve remarkable gains in function, sensation and ability to perform daily activities. This study confirms that a significant percentage of children undergoing reconstruction by microsurgical toe-to-hand transfers have similar functional outcomes assessments when compared with the normal pediatric population.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Level III-Therapeutic study.
PMID: 23995145 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Read more... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23995145?dopt=Abstract
