• People having lost a digit due to injury or illness.
• Children born with Symbrachydactyly – congenitally absent fingers.
• Children born with amniotic band syndrome / constriction ring syndrome resulting in absent digits.

Toe to hand transfer is a highly specialised procedure. Either the second or great toe are transferred to the hand. Each operation is tailored to the individual patient and this will be discussed in detail.

• The toe is removed from the foot. Doctor will take all blood vessels, nerves, bone and tendon associated with the toe and transplant the toe to the hand.
• In most scenarios the toe next to the big toe is the most suitable. This toe contains the nail tissue, tendons and bones to make a suitable finger.
• The gap between the toes will be stitched closed and the entire foot bandaged.
• The toe is attached to the hand bones using a wire to fix them together. The tendon, nerves and blood vessels are then joined.
• The hand will be bandaged to protect the finger.
• The transplanted toe will only ever have the movement capabilities of a toe.

Doctor will close off the gap where the toe was removed. Patients will still be able to walk, run, and jump after recovery.

• This Toe to Hand Procedure takes up to six to eight weeks to heal.
• You will be required to stay in hospital to monitor the blood supply to the attached digit for the first few days.
• Keeping warm and well hydrated is essential to ensuring the blood flow is adequate.
• Blood thinners will be administered to prevent clotting.
• Painkillers and antibiotics will be administered when required to manage pain and infection.
• The operated hand and foot must remain elevated.
• The operated foot must remain elevated for 2 weeks