A Clinical Study of Replantation of Amputated Upper Limbs and Digits

Lim, Bong Yeol; Cheong, Hee Young; Yoo, Byoung Lyoung; Cheong, Seok Jo

Abstract

Since the first report of completely amputated thumb replantation by Tamai in 1965, replantation surgery has been popularized with increasing success rate and improving functional regain. Recently, difficult replantation such as traction avulsion amputation has been challenged and good success rate and function have been reported. We have analized 34 cases of upper extremity and finger replantation in 23 patients, which were performed at the Dept. of Orthopedic surgery. Hyun Dai Hae Seong Hospital, Ulsan, Korea, from June 1982 to January 1986. The results were as follows: 1. Male patients were 22, female was 1, left upper limbs and digits injuries were more prevalent(16: 7), and average age was 25 years old. 2. The most common injury was done by cutting machine. 3. The number of amputations of fingers were almost same in all fingers and most prevalent in zone III(26 cases, Danial classification). 4. Success rate of replantation was 82.4% In cases of less than 6 hrs ischemic time, the rate was 93.4%, and more than 6 hrs ischemic time, rate was 33.3% 5. Performing arterial anastomosis prior to venous anastomosis, can find out main draining vein, and with one vein and one artery anastomosis, can get good results distal to zone IV. 6. Functional results were satisfactory, evaluating by modified. Tamai score, average 87.5. 7. 6 cases of digital replantations distal to sublimis tendon insertion have good results functionally, cosmetically and technically easy (Tamai score 98). 8. 5 cases of traction avulsion amputations needed many additional surgery to restore function, but end results were relatively satisfactory.