Arch Plast Surg.  2017 Mar;44(2):150-156. 10.5999/aps.2017.44.2.150.

Osseointegrated Finger Prostheses Using a Tripod Titanium Mini-Plate

• Manrique O
• Ciudad P
• Doscher M
• Torto FL
• Liebling R
• Galan R

• KMID: 2373090
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2017.44.2.150

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Digital amputation is a common upper extremity injury and can cause significant impairment in hand function, as well as psychosocial stigma. Currently, the gold standard for the reconstruction of such injuries involves autologous reconstruction. However, when this or other autologous options are not available, prosthetic reconstruction can provide a functionally and aesthetically viable alternative. This study describes a novel technique, known as a tripod titanium mini-plate, for osseointegrated digit prostheses, and reviews the outcomes in a set of consecutive patients.
METHODS
A retrospective review of patients who underwent 2-stage prosthetic reconstruction of digit amputations was performed. Demographic information, occupation, mechanism of injury, number of amputated fingers, and level of amputation were reviewed. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Q-DASH) scale and a visual analog scale (VAS) score, respectively. In addition, complications during the postoperative period were recorded.
RESULTS
Seven patients were included in this study. Their average age was 29 years. Five patients had single-digit amputations and 2 patients had multiple-digit amputations. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the Q-DASH score (average, 10.4) and VAS score (average, 9.1), respectively. One episode of mild cellulitis was seen at 24 months of follow-up. However, it was treated successfully with oral antibiotics. No other complications were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
When autologous reconstruction is not suitable for digit reconstruction, prosthetic osseointegrated reconstruction can provide good aesthetic and functional results. However, larger series with longer-term follow-up are required in order to rule out the possibility of other complications.

Keyword

Osseointegration; Prostheses; Amputation; Outcome assessment

MeSH Terms

Amputation
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Arm
Cellulitis
Fingers*
Follow-Up Studies
Hand
Humans
Occupations
Osseointegration
Postoperative Period
Prostheses and Implants*
Retrospective Studies
Shoulder
Titanium*
Upper Extremity
Visual Analog Scale
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Titanium