I perform the full spectrum of upper limb soft tissue reconstruction for both trauma and cancer reconstruction. I have completed prestigious fellowships in Reconstructive Microsurgery and Hand surgery in Australia (Royal Perth Hospital) and the United Kingdom (Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead) along with extensive training in London.

I am a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with a busy microsurgical and upper limb trauma practice in the NHS. I have experience in perforator flap surgery and also toe to hand transfer and receive complex referrals in London and Internationally.

What is toe to hand transfer?

Severe hand trauma can result in amputation of one or more digits. The most elegant method to reconstruct a missing digit is to use the body part that is the most similar to it, a toe.

The second toe or great toe are often used to reconstruct digits and also the thumb. There are multiple factors to consider as advantages or disadvantages to using one donor compared to the other. These considerations should be individually applied to each case, with the ultimate decision by the patient according to personal preference.

The donor site from the great toe can cause issues with gait however it best resembles a thumb, great toes make great thumbs. The second toe is often best suited for paediatric congenital hand reconstruction

What outcomes can be expected from toe to hand transfer?

Patients will regain some sensation and movement, this is particularly excellent in children. Secondary surgeries are often needed to revise the toe transfer. In some cases to reduce the bulk of the toe transfer.