ANEURYSMAL BONE-CYSTS IN THE HAND TREATED BY FREE NONVASCULAR TRANSFER OF METATARSAL OR PROXIMAL PHALANX FROM THE FOOT

Two cases of aneurysmal bone cyst in the hand are reported. In one cas e the entire first metacarpal was resected and grafted using the fourt h metatarsal. In the second case diaphysectomy of the middle phalanx o f the index digit was performed, and the proximal phalanx of the secon d toe was used as graft. Satisfactory length and function were maintai ned, the grafts remained viable and there was no donor site morbidity. Transplant of a metatarsal or toe phalanx to the hand, as a free non- vascularized graft, is a relatively straight forward operation, requir es minimal refashioning of the graft, provides articular surfaces for joint reconstruction and leaves little donor site morbidity.