Restoration of sensibility to a thumb by the technique of digital nerve advancement: a new surgical procedure.

A groin flap was used to repair avulsion injuries of the nondominant thumb and index finger in a 13-year-old boy. The patient demonstrated full range of motion in the involved digits but lacked sensibility and a measurable two-point discrimination of the thumb. A two-point discrimination of 3 mm and excellent subjective sensibility were restored by distal advancement of the digital nerves and separation into fascicles across the ulnar aspect of the thumb. A 1 1/2-year follow-up period is recorded.