Why I Love the Index Finger?

If injured alone, a painful, stiff or insensate index finger can hinder hand function and preclude useful recovery. In multiple injured digits, particularly involving the thumb, an injured index finger also can be used to improve overall hand function. In this article, one of the key concepts in hand reconstruction, spare parts surgery, is reviewed with examples. A spare part transferred from an otherwise problematic digit is a form of reconstruction that challenges the mind and the knowledge of the hand surgeon. Ability to plan in the moment first requires pattern recognition.