Replantation of the thumb: survival rate and functional recovery in correlation with type of injury

Microsurgery. 1993;14(7):454-6. doi: 10.1002/micr.1920140707.

Abstract

During a period of 4 years, we attempted replantation of an amputated thumb in 21 patients. We present the survival rate as well as the functional recovery in correlation with type of injury. In 21 thumbs, 16 survived surgery (76.2%); 2 out of 5 losses belonged to the guillotine category and 3 belonged to the crush-avulsion category. Out of the 11 thumbs that belonged to the crush-avulsion type, 8 survived, which is a 72.7% success rate. Eight out of 10 thumbs of the guillotine type survived, an 80% success rate. The cosmetic and functional result was satisfactory.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Amputation, Traumatic / classification
  • Amputation, Traumatic / rehabilitation
  • Amputation, Traumatic / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Replantation*
  • Thumb / injuries*
  • Thumb / physiology
  • Thumb / surgery*
  • Tissue Survival