Home / Health / Cobbler Replaces Thumb With Toe After Freak Accident
Cobbler Replaces Thumb With Toe After Freak Accident
23 Jan
Summary
- A cobbler lost his thumb in a machinery accident in 2019.
- Surgeons transplanted one of his big toes to reconstruct his thumb.
- He has since returned to his shoe repair shop and is fully functional.
In 2019, cobbler David Lee suffered a severe workplace accident that resulted in the amputation of his thumb. While working in his shop, his clothing became entangled in machinery, leading to the loss of his digit. Lee's immediate concern was his ability to continue his beloved craft and preserve his business.
Following the incident, Lee was treated at King's Mill Hospital and then referred to the Pulvertaft Hand Centre at Royal Derby Hospital. There, surgeons proposed a unique solution: reconstructing his thumb using one of his own toes. This intricate procedure, performed only a handful of times at the hospital, took approximately 10 hours.
As of January 2026, Lee has made a remarkable recovery and has returned to working full-time in his shoe repair shop. He shared his experience on BBC Radio Derby, expressing that the transplanted toe has become a natural part of him. He indicated that the only inconvenience he faces is needing larger gloves for his work.
