Replantation of digits

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Amputated finger

Replantation of digits - series

Revascularization of amputated digits; Reattachment of amputated fingers

Children are especially good candidates for replantation surgery because of their great ability to heal and regenerate tissue. Replantation of an amputated part is ideally performed within 4 to 6 hours after injury. However, success has been reported up to 24 hours after the injury if the amputated part has been cooled.

Proper care of the amputated part or parts is critical to successful replantation. Under the right conditions, the long-term prognosis for the restoration of use in the digit is quite good.

Special care is needed in the hospital to monitor and maintain the blood flow to the replanted part. The arm or leg will be kept raised. The room may be kept quite warm to ensure that blood flow to the skin is not changed due to cooling.

After discharge from the hospital in about a week, the patient may need to wear a cast to protect the part. Continuing blood flow checks are necessary.

Review Date: 11/02/2006
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Reviewprovided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.