1. Prehension is a complex mechanism for which both movement and sensation are required. 2. Two basic grips are considered: the digital pinch and palmar grasp, which are simpler expressions of the precision grip and the power grip. For the digital pinch the minimum requirement is a thumb or a reconstructed thumb, and a finger to which it can oppose. For palmar grasp mobile fingers are necessary so that they can wrap round the object grasped. 3. The restoration of prehension is considered under the following headings: mutilation of the fingers; mutilation of the thumb; and mutilation of both together. 4. The various methods of reconstruction are described that are appropriate to each type of mutilation, so as to provide restoration of length, mobility and sensation. 5. The indications for the various main methods to compensate for loss of the thumb are discussed. These methods include pollicisation and osteoplastic repair with neurovascular island flap.
In ten cases definitive loss of sensibility in an important territory of the hand has been treated by a hetero-digital, neurovascular skin island transfer. Operative technique and results obtained are reported. Although not enough patients have been treated to allow us to give precise indications for the procedure, two such indications clearly emerge: 1) the treatment of insensitive digits; 2) the reconstruction of the thumb or fingers. The procedure could probably be used elsewhere than in the hand.
1. The gravity of thrombo-embolic complications in orthopaedic and accident surgery has stimulated us, since 1951, to devise a means of prevention which comprises: 2. Although there could be no absolute guarantee of protection, these measures offered a considerable reduction in the risk of thrombotic complications.
