Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of mirror therapy and sensory reeducation on sensory function recovery after thumb reconstruction with second toe transplantation. Methods Forty patients after thumb reconstruction with second toe transplantation from January, 2011 to January, 2014 were divided into control group (n=20) and training group (n=20). Both groups accepted routine nursing and rehabilitation, while the training group accepted mirror therapy and sensory reeducation training in addition. They were followed up for six to eighteen months after operation (average 9.3 months) with the two- point discrimination (2-PD) of transplanted toe pulp. Results 2-PD was (7.15±1.15) mm in the training group, very shorter than (10.23±2.23) mm of the control group (t=5.4898, P<0.001). Conclusion The mirror therapy combined with sensory reeducation training can improve the sensory function of the finger pulp that transplanted from the second toe.

Key words: thumb reconstruction with toe transplantation, sensation, mirror therapy, sensory reeducation, rehabilitation nursing