Primary Index Finger Pollicization for Thumb Reconstruction Following Soft Tissue Sarcoma Excision.

Abstract

Soft tissue sarcomas in the thumb are rare, but often require amputation to ensure tumour clearance. This can severely impair the use of the entire upper limb and negatively impact quality of life. We describe a 63-year-old male patient with a large malignant fibrous histiocytoma affecting the base of his dominant right thumb. A wide resection of this tumour was performed, followed immediately by index finger pollicization and first web space reconstruction with a reverse pedicled posterior interosseous artery flap. The patient was able to continue using his right hand for functions of daily living and was free from local recurrence until he died from distant metastases 2 years later. Primary thumb reconstruction following amputation for sarcoma can allow a patient to retain useful hand function postoperatively. Provided that strict principles of tumour clearance are adhered to, this need not compromise local recurrence rates.