# Second Toe Osteochondral Bone Graft for Resurfacing the Articular Surface of the Proximal Phalanx Head of the Thumb: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A case report describes using a toe bone graft to restore thumb joint movement after injury, preserving function when surgery would otherwise limit motion.

## Contribution

This case introduces a novel use of a second toe osteochondral graft to preserve thumb joint mobility in a patient with specific functional needs.

## Key findings

- Using a second toe graft allowed pain-free functional movement in the thumb joint post-surgery.
- The procedure is viable for motivated patients requiring preserved joint function after trauma.
- Post-operative hand therapy successfully restored range of motion.

## Abstract

The most widely accepted surgical management of a traumatized interphalangeal joint of the thumb is arthrodesis. However, in certain situations, specific functional and vocational demands require preserved movement at this joint. In the present case report, we describe harvesting the second toe proximal phalanx head as an osteochondral bone graft to recontour the proximal aspect of the thumb interphalangeal joint. The post-operative hand therapy regimen is described resulting in a pain-free functional range of motion. We conclude that when a motivated, healthy patient has specific functional goals, osteochondral bone grafting from the toe is a viable technique to maintain a functional range of motion.