A Unique Case of Replantation of Previously Replanted Fingers

Replantation of digital amputations is now the accepted standard of care. However, rarely will a replantation surgeon be presented with amputated fingers which have been previously replanted. In our literature search, we could find only one publication where a replanted thumb suffered amputation and was successfully replanted again. We report the technical challenges and the outcome of replanting two fingers which suffered amputation 40 months after the initial replantation and were successfully replanted again. Replantation was critical since the amputated fingers were the only two complete fingers in that hand which had initially suffered a four-finger amputation. The second-time replantation of previously replanted fingers is reported to allay the concern of the reconstructive surgeon when faced with this unique situation of “repeat amputation of the replanted finger.” Second-time replantation is feasible and is associated with high-patient satisfaction. Replantation must be attempted especially in the event of multiple digit amputations.     

A complex reimplantation of digits: a case report.

In multiple finger amputations, microsurgical reconstruction should concentrate on the thumb, index, and middle fingers. The patient in the case report presented in this paper initially sustained an amputation of all of the digits on the left hand and an amputation of the right thumb. Both thumbs were amputated at the metacarpophalangeal joint. Initial replantation of the left thumb, index, and middle fingers and of the right thumb was carried out. The right thumb replantation failed and, after healing, the right great toe was transferred to the right hand. Subsequent to this, the patient developed useful function of all reconstructed digits. Twenty-one months after the first injury, both thumbs sustained new traumatic amputations 1.0 cm distal to the previous amputations. Both thumbs were replanted again successfully.     

Sensory recovery following digital replantation

The recovery of sensibility following digital replantation is essential in the restoration of hand function. We reviewed 12 series of digital replantations between 1977 and 1989. Three hundred sixty-seven fingers and 87 thumbs were successfully replanted. Mean age was 32.5 years. Mean follow-up was 33.5 months. Mean static two-point discrimination (S2PD) was 9.3 mm in clean thumbs vs. 12.1 mm in crush/avulsion thumb replantations. Mean S2PD was 8 mm in clean finger vs. 15 mm in crush/avulsion finger replantations. Overall mean S2PD was 11 mm in thumb and 12 mm in finger replantations. Sixty-one percent of replanted thumbs and 54% of replanted fingers regained useful S2PD (less than 15 mm or greater than or equal to S3 +). Factors that influenced digital sensibility following replantation included patient's age, level and mechanism of injury, digital blood flow, cold intolerance, and postoperative sensory reeducation. Recovery of sensibility in the replanted digit is comparable to simple nerve repair and to nerve grafting techniques. Further emphasis should be on elucidating the mechanism of cold intolerance, which was a significant complaint for most replanted digits. The universal practice of postoperative sensory reeducation will continue to improve digital sensibility following replantation.     

Transpositional replantation of digits. Case reports.

Heterotopic or transpositional replantation of digits is technically feasible with results similar to those of conventional replantation procedures. Occasionally in multiple digital amputations not all the digits may be replanted in their correct place as a result of complex injuries proximal to the amputation zone or severe damage to important fingers. In these circumstances the amputated digits that are in the best condition as regards undamaged tissue are used for replantation. The primary priority is an optimal functional outcome and the secondary priority the cosmetic outcome. Amputated long digits will always be used to substitute for a non-replantable thumb rather than to replace a long finger. We present 13 cases of successful transpositional digit or joint replantations in traumatic amputations of more than one digit.     

TRANSPOSITIONAL REPLANTATION OF DIGITS: Case reports

Heterotopic or transpositional replantation of digits is technically feasible with results similar to those of conventional replantation procedures. Occasionally in multiple digital amputations not all the digits may be replanted in their correct place as a result of complex injuries proximal to the amputation zone or severe damage to important fingers. In these circumstances the amputated digits that are in the best condition as regards undamaged tissue are used for replantation. The primary priority is an optimal functional outcome and the secondary priority the cosmetic outcome. Amputated long digits will always be used to substitute for a non-replantable thumb rather than to replace a long finger. We present 13 cases of successful transpositional digit or joint replantations in traumatic amputations of more than one digit.     

特殊类型的断指再植

目的 报道特殊类型断指再植的方法及临床疗效。方法 对末节断指，1指多节离断断指，小儿断指，拇指撕脱性离断断指，双手多指离断断指及手指脱套性断指，根据不同的伤情采用不同的方法再植。结果 1532例上述断指再植存活1475例，存活率96．27％。外形及功能均较满意。结论 特殊类型手指离断伤，应严格掌握适应证，采用不同的方法施行再植，可获得较高的存活率，并能恢复较好的外形与功能。     

The results of replantation after amputation of a single finger

We reviewed fifty-nine consecutive cases of patients who had replantation of a single finger (excluding the thumb) after traumatic amputation, with an average follow-up of fifty-three months. Fifty-one (86 per cent) of the replanted fingers survived. Survival was found to be affected by the age of the patient, the number of vessels that were anastomosed, and the replantation experience of the surgeons. The survival rate was not affected by the gender of the patient, the mechanism of injury, or which finger was amputated. As compared with survival only, the functional results were most dependent on the level of amputation. The proximal interphalangeal joint in amputated fingers that were replanted distal to the insertion of the flexor superficialis tendon had an average range of motion of 82 degrees after replantation, while those amputated proximal to the insertion had an average range of motion of only 35 degrees after replantation. The average operating time was six hours and ten minutes, and the average time until the patient returned to work was 2.3 months. Based on this experience, it is our opinion that replantation of a single finger that was amputated distal to the insertion of the flexor superficialis tendon is justified, but that replantation of a single finger that was amputated proximal to this insertion is seldom indicated.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

残存指异位再植重建拇指功能

目的 应用残存指异位再植重建拇指,并观察其疗效.方法 对17例拇、手指毁损伤并皮肤缺损者,将残存指异位再植至拇指位置,同时行皮瓣移植修复虎口及皮肤缺损创面,重建拇指功能.术后进行系统的康复锻炼.结果 17例异位再植指全部存活.术后随访1～5年,手功能恢复按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:优3例,良11例,可3例;优良率为82.4%.结论 利用残存指异位再植的方法重建拇指功能,术后获得了良好的效果.     

A retrospective study of functional outcomes after successful replantation versus amputation closure for single fingertip amputations

PURPOSE: To compare the functional outcome of successful microsurgical replantation versus amputation closure for single fingertip amputations. METHODS: Forty-six fingertip amputations in 46 patients (23 were replanted successfully, 23 had amputation closure) were included in this study. Thumb amputations were excluded. Grip strength and active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint were evaluated. The patients were questioned about their symptoms of pain, paresthesia, and cold intolerance. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was given and the disability/symptom score was evaluated. Patients' satisfaction with the surgical result was assessed. Time spent in the hospital and time off from work were reviewed. RESULTS: Active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint was greater in the successful replantation group. Although the existence of paresthesia and cold intolerance were not statistically different between the 2 groups, pain in the affected fingers was more frequent in the amputation closure group. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of the successful replantation group was statistically better. All patients in the successful replantation group were highly or fairly satisfied with the surgical results, whereas 14 patients in the amputation closure group were highly or fairly satisfied. The time spent in the hospital and the time off from work for the successful replantation group were longer. CONCLUSIONS: Successful replantation of single fingertip amputations can result in minimal pain, better functional outcome, better appearance, and higher patient satisfaction. We recommend attempting fingertip replantation not only to obtain the best appearance but also to gain better functional outcome. If the patient requests the simple surgery and earlier return to work amputation closure is an accepted method despite the disadvantage of digital shortening and the risk for a painful stump. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level III.     

特殊类型断指再植的治疗

目的探讨特殊类型断指再植的方法和疗效。方法根据末节断指、小儿断指、撕脱性离断断指、多指离断及多段离断断指,采用不同的方法再植。结果共176例再植220指,成活214指,成活率97．27％。术后经2月～6年的随访,按中华医学会手外科学会断指再植功能评定试用标准评定：优125指,良78指,差17指,优良率92．27％。结论特殊类型断指采用合适的方法再植,可获得较高的成活率及较好的外形与功能。