From March 1982 to December 1992, 30 cases of thumb reconstruction with a free neurovascular wrap-around flap from the big toe were performed at Korea University Hospital. Twenty-nine of a total of 30 cases were successful and obtained excellent functional and cosmetic results. Postoperative complications included 1 case of graft failure, 6 partial skin necroses, 1 malunion, and 15 cases of resorption of iliac bone graft including 1 case of fatigue fracture of grafted bone. Even for the first metacarpal neck amputations, thumb reconstruction with a free neurovascular wrap-around flap was possible; however, limitation of motion of the reconstructed thumb and resorption of the grafted bone occurred. Thumb reconstruction with a wrap-around free flap from the big toe gives excellent cosmetic and functional results and causes minimal morbidity on the donor site.

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Purpose:We evaluated the syndesmosis instability associated with Weber type B lateral malleolar fractures. Materials and Methods: Eighty one Weber type B lateral malleolar fractures were evaluated and classified according to the radiologic criteria. Syndesmosis instability was checked with a hook test during operation. The radiological and clinical results were assessed. Results: Twenty two cases were associated with a widening of the distal tibiofibular distance. Sixteen (73%) had syndesmosis instability confirmed with a hook test and were fixed with a syndesmotic screw. Eight (66%) out of 12 Wagstaffe fractures were fixed with a syndesmotic screw due to the instability. The distal tibiofibular distance was 7.4±2.4 mm, 4.6±1.9 mm and 4.9±1.9 mm preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the final follow up, respectively. All cases achieved union and good clinical results with more than 85 on the AOFAS score were obtained. Conclusion: Weber type B lateral malleolar fractures can be associated with a syndesmosis injury. An intraoperative hook test should be carried out for accurate diagnosis. Considerable attention needs to be paid to Wagsteffe fractures, because of the high probability of combining syndesmosis instability.