@article{ref1,
title="Quality of life in patients with toe-to-hand transplantation",
journal="Journal of plastic surgery and hand surgery",
year="2018",
author="Nakanishi, Akito and Kawamura, Kenji and Omokawa, Shohei and Shimizu, Takamasa and Iida, Akio and Tanaka, Yasuhito",
volume="52",
number="6",
pages="359-362",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: Toe-to-hand transplantation is a reliable procedure that replaces like-with-like in cases of a lost thumb or finger. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of toe transplantation on patients from the perspectives of quality of life (QOL) and disability. <br><br>METHODS: Ten patients with traumatic amputation of a digit underwent reconstruction with toe transplantation. The mean age at injury was 40.2 years (range 17-59 years). Reconstructive options were 5 wrap-around flaps to 2 thumbs and 3 index fingers; 2 second-toe transplantations to 2 middle fingers, and 3 hemipulp-free flaps from the great toe to a thumb and an index finger. We hypothesized that toe transplantation would improve postoperative QOL and disability. Outcome assessments included completion of the SF-36, SAFE-Q, and DASH questionnaires before and after reconstruction. Scores on each test were calculated and intra-individual comparisons were made. <br><br>RESULTS: All scores for the eight SF-36 health domains improved, with a significant difference in Vitality from before to after surgery. In contrast, scores for all five SAFE-Q items worsened, with significant changes for the 'Pain and Pain-Related' and 'Physical Functioning and Daily Living' subscales. DASH scores improved after surgery in all cases. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that toe-to-hand transplantation for amputated finger reconstruction is a good option in terms of improved QOL. However, worsened SAFE-Q scores imply that donor site problems could be expected and must be taken into account during surgical planning.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2000-656X",
doi="10.1080/2000656X.2018.1520123",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2000656X.2018.1520123"
}