BEIRUT - The American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) has successfully performed the first surgery of its kind in Lebanon and the Arab region to reconstruct a severely damaged finger joint using tissue from a patient's toe.

The procedure was carried out by a specialized surgical team led by Dr. Youssef Bakhash, a hand and reconstructive microsurgeon at AUBMC.

The patient had suffered serious injuries to the middle and ring fingers of his right hand following a car accident. The main joint of the ring finger was completely crushed and deformed, significantly affecting the function of the entire hand.

During the operation, surgeons removed a small joint from one of the patient's toes and transplanted it into the damaged ring finger. The joint was transferred along with its tendons and blood vessels, which were carefully reconnected to restore blood flow.

According to AUBMC, the surgery was particularly challenging because the blood vessels involved were extremely small and required a high level of precision and microsurgical expertise.

Unlike conventional treatments, the procedure aims to restore both movement and appearance while preserving hand function. Doctors say it offers a promising option for patients with severe finger injuries.

Dr. Jamal Habbal, Chair of the Department of Surgery, said the operation reflects the advanced capabilities of AUBMC's surgical teams and their commitment to introducing innovative procedures.

The medical center said the achievement will support plans to establish the first dedicated Center of Excellence for Hand Surgery in Lebanon and the wider region.