Replantation at the level of the wrist joint: A case report

Upper extremities amputations are devastating injuries that have a major impact on patients’ quality of life. Replantation after traumatic amputation is often performed to obtain limb recovery. Following the high survival rate of replantation of post-traumatic hand amputation, recent emphasis has now shifted to functional recovery rather than survival only. Wrist replantation remains a challenging procedure for orthopaedic and hand surgeon. We reported a case of a 25-year-old male with traumatic amputation of the right hand.     

Nonsurgical factors of digital replantation and survival rate: A metaanalysis

The aim of this metaanalysis was to evaluate the association between nonsurgical factors and survival rate of digital replantation. A computer search of MEDLINE, OVID, EMBASE and CNKI databases was conducted to identify literatures for digital replantation, with the keywords of “digit,” “finger” and “replantation” from their inception to June 10, 2014. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted independently by two authors using piloted forms. Review Manager 5.2 software was used for data analysis. The effect of some nonsurgical factors (gender, age, amputated finger, injury mechanisms, ischemia time and the way of preservation) on the survival rate of digital replantation was assessed. The metaanalysis result suggested that gender and ischemia time had no significant influence on the survival rate of amputation replantation. However, the survival rate of digital replantation of adults was significantly higher than that of children. The guillotine injury of a finger was easier to replant successfully than the crush and avulsion. The little finger was more difficult for replantation than thumb. Survival rate of fingers stored in low temperature was higher than that in common temperature. The present metaanalysis suggested that age, injury mechanism, amputated finger and the way of preservation were significantly associated with the survival rate of digital replantation.     

Indications and surgical techniques for digit replantation

Finger amputations are devastating, life-changing injuries. They can occur from many different types of injury, but most often are caused by power tools or machinery in the workplace. Modern microvascular surgical techniques have enabled surgeons to successfully reattach fingers that have been amputated at almost level of injury. Patient outcome and digit viability have improved as surgeons have gained more experience with microvascular techniques, and have narrowed the operative indications for replantation. Currently, replantation is recommended for amputated thumbs, multiple digit amputations, and single digit amputations distal to the FDS insertion, as well as all amputations in children. Replantation surgery is technically demanding. Success relies on patient selection, meticulous operative technique, and postoperative monitoring. Most patients have successful outcomes with at least protective sensation and useful range of motion in the replanted digit. Though complications, including joint stiffness, tendon adhesions, malunion, and cold intolerance are not infrequent, patient satisfaction following replantation is high.     

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.     

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.     

Eleven-year follow-up of cross-leg replantation for traumatic bilateral amputation

The advent of microsurgery has allowed the replantation of traumatically amputated limbs. Replantation of a severed limb to the contralateral stump in bilateral traumatic amputation, however, is rarer, and criticisms include a prolonged hospital stay and complications. A 54-year-old man was caught in a paper-pulping machine and suffered bilateral lower limb amputation rendering his left lower leg unsalvageable. The right lower leg, after debridement however, was suitable for replantation to the left stump. This replantation was performed successfully. The patient was rehabilitated with a contralateral prosthesis and ambulates with a walking stick. At 11-year follow-up the patient has a preference for his replanted leg in contrast to his contralateral prosthesis and has suffered no long-term complications. In addition, from a psychological perspective, he has experienced restoration of perceived body length with the cross-leg replantation.     

Fingerreplantation und mikrochirurgischer Daumenersatz

Replantation is the refixation of a completely amputated body part using (micro) vascular techniques for restoring the blood circulation. Nearly one half of all traumatically completely amputated fingers can be replanted. During transport to hospital the amputated part is kept cool at 4°C strictly avoiding any frost damage. In the indications for replantation of a single amputated digit it should be taken into account that replanted fingers may develop cold intolerance, pain or loss of function which can disturb rather than promote the function of the hand. However, in cases with good indications the successful replantation of fingers and thumbs and regaining a good function is due to a joint effort of all members of a hand surgery unit.     

Above-the-knee replantation in a child: a case report with a 24-year follow-up

Replantation of an amputated limb is generally contraindicated in crushing and traction injuries. Injury to muscle tissue and skin also creates difficulties in coverage, and bony fractures may shorten limb length which can impede lower extremity function. Numerous cases have been reported on the successful replantation of the lower limb in children; however, review of previous English literature has documented only very few replantation at the thigh level, and those with severe crushing injury resulted in subsequent amputation. We report a case of successful thigh-level replantation in a 3-year-old child who sustained a crushing–traction type of injury with a follow-up of 24 years. After the replantation, early and late complications developed but these were successfully managed. On her last visit, the patient had pain-free ambulation without assistance, had intact protective sensation distal to the injury, and was very satisfied with the outcome. Replantation of the lower limb in children with crushing or avulsion type of injuries is still a worthwhile procedure. However, both the patient and the family should be aware that multiple surgeries may be needed to accommodate to long-term complications such as joint stiffness, scar contractures, and limb length discrepancies.     

Solutions to challenging digital replantations

Replantation of amputated digits remains one of the most challenging areas in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Complicated cases of digital amputation, such as fingertip amputations, multidigital amputations, and so forth, pose an even greater challenge, requiring extraordinary solutions for successful replantation. The authors present their experience with complicated digital replantations at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School. Cases presented include fingertip replantation, replantation of a finger with impairment of arterial inflow, and two cases of multidigital amputations. In one case of multidigital amputation, heterodigital replantation was performed, and in the other case, a minute skin neurovascular free flap from a nonreplantable finger was used for the reconstruction of another injured finger. Presented cases demonstrate various tools that can be successfully used in the performance of challenging digital replantations.     

Upper extremity replantation: three-year experience

Microsurgery in Mexico was initiated in 1967, when the first report of the subspecialty was published. At our hospital, we have had a well-organized microsurgery department since 1995. This has improved our management of patients with amputations of the upper extremity. This article presents our experience with upper extremity replantation, including hand and fingers. During the first 3 years, we managed 55 patients, 42 male and 13 female, aged 2-52 years, who had suffered amputations of some part of their upper extremity or even of the complete limb. These patients underwent surgical exploration for replantation. We analyzed 103 amputations in the 55 patients operated. The amputated parts are summarized as follows: 11 thumbs, 25 index, 24 middle, 22 ring, and 12 little fingers; 5 hands, 5 forearms, and 2 arms. The average hospital stay was 10 days. The follow-up was 6-24 months. Replantation success was 82%, with 18% failure for survival of the replanted part. Functional recovery was satisfactory in the 50% of cases, and sensitive recovery was satisfactory in 75% of cases. We conclude that although our experience on upper extremity replantation is not so large, our results are similar to those from other series. We discussed our results.     

手指套脱性断指再植

目的探讨手指套脱性离断伤再植方法的可行性。方法对10例18指手指套脱性离断伤的患者，进行再植术。结果再植18指，术后成活16指，坏死2指，成活率为89％。术后随访5～12个月，手功能和外形满意，再植指两点分辨觉为4～9min，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14指，良2指，优良率达100％。结论手指套脱性离断伤，只要套脱皮肤完整，可以通过再植的方法恢复手部的功能和外形。     

Replantation at lower leg level]

INTRODUCTION: Replantation in reconstructive surgery is an established procedure due to microsurgical techniques. It can be routinely performed in unilateral lower leg amputation. In some cases of bilateral amputation, in which orthotopic replantation is not possible due to the complex trauma, heterotopic replantation is a therapeutic option. This avoids prosthetic fitting. METHODS: We report five cases of orthotopic and two of heterotopic lower limb replantations. Functional outcome concerning sensibility, mobility, pain, and aesthetic result were assessed clinically and using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Functional outcome and patient satisfaction were good. The psychological situation of the patients as well as mobility and stability of the replanted limbs were satisfying. Heterotopically replanted patients found the replanted legs superior to the prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, in lower leg amputation, attempts should be made to replant the extremity. In bilateral lower leg amputations, at least one limb should be reconstructed, even if "only" a heterotopic replantation can be performed.     

Replantation of untidily amputated finger, hand, and arm: experience of 99 replantations in 66 cases

Three problems the authors think important in replantation of untidy amputations are discussed based on our 99 replantations with the success rate of 92.6% over a 4-year period. To restore circulation in this type of amputation, such techniques as transfer of blood vessels, use of a neurovascular island flap with neurovascular anastomoses at its distal margin, vein graft, and free split-skin graft directly on the anastomosed blood vessels are recommended. Recovery of tendon gliding when replanted proximally to the MP joint was reasonably good but not when replanted distally to it. Recovery of intrinsic muscles was generally poor. Protective sensation was usually regained, although occasionally accompanied by paresthesia. Amputation of single digit was found not to be an absolute indication for replantation except for the thumb. In multiple digital amputation, more important digits should be restored by amputated digits in better condition. Replantation for cosmetic improvement may be justified in such cases as unmarried young females. In infants, replantation is especially worthwhile because good functional recovery and good further growth can be expected.     

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.     

Microsurgical Replantation of the Posterior Heel Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue

A 45-year-old male presented with amputation of posterior heel soft tissue after an accident involving broken glass panes. The defect measured 4?×?6.5?cm, and the composite amputated tissue consisted of skin and subcutaneous layers. Intraoperative exploration of the amputated tissue revealed 2 perforator arteries (diameter?≤0.4?mm) in the central portion of the subcutaneous tissue and 4 superficial veins (diameter?≈0.6?mm) in the wound margin. These vessels were anastomosed end-to-end to the corresponding vessels from the wound bed using 11-0 nylon sutures. The replanted tissue survived completely. The patient retained excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes at the 13-month follow-up visit. The present case serves to demonstrate the feasibility of microsurgical replantation for the posterior heel. Although such isolated amputations are far less common than digital amputations, our experience suggests that microsurgical replantation is indicated beyond the current spectrum of clinical repertoire.     

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。     

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.     

Farm-related limb amputations in children

The purpose of this study was to review results for children sustaining traumatic farm-related limb amputations. Farm machinery accidents were responsible for 12 limb amputations among 260 consecutive childhood traumatic amputations. All amputations resulted in open, grade III-C fractures. Treatment consisted of operative debridement, antibiotics, possible replantation, and delayed wound closure. Mean follow-up was 8 years (range 1-20). Wound closure was achieved at a mean of 22 days (range 2-88) after an average of seven operative procedures (range, 2-11 operations). Skin grafting was necessary for 9 of the 12 limbs. Blood replacement was necessary for all but one patient. Initial wound cultures revealed polymicrobial contamination in all patients. Clinical infections developed exclusively and in all (6/6) patients who underwent attempted replantation. Replantation was considered in all cases and was attempted for six limbs but was successful in only two patients. Failure of replantation in four limbs was due to vascular insufficiency and infection. The surviving replanted limbs have continued to grow and have regained protective sensation. Prosthetic use ranges from excellent to intermittent among the 10 patients with permanent amputation. Farm-related limb amputations are among the most severe orthopaedic injuries sustained by children. Despite massive contamination, infection occurred only in replanted limbs. Because of the mutilating nature of these amputations, less than 20% can be successfully replanted.     

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。