Thumb lengthening of the Gillies' method.

The Gillies' method of thumb lengthening is presented. It has proved of value in cases of isolated loss of the thumb in the region of the metacarpophalangeal joint sustained by a working man, particularly as pollicisation is not considered justifiable in such cases. The method achieves a result in a one-stage procedure and provides a strong useful thumb although of limited length. Sensation on the tactile surface is good due to preservation of the median nerve supply.