Replantation of digits

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Amputated finger

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Replantation of digits

Definition:

Replantation of digits is the surgical repair of completely amputated fingers or toes. With an incomplete amputations (the part remains attached to the body by skin, artery, vein, or nerve), a process called revascularization is used to reattach the digit.

Alternative Names:

Revascularization of amputated digits; Reattachment of amputated fingers

Description:

While the patient is sedated, using regional or general anesthesia, the bone ends may be shortened to eliminate tension on the repaired blood vessels. The digit is put in place and the bone is stabilized with wires or a plate and screws. Tendon repairs are done next.

The nerves and vessels are then repaired with microsurgical instruments. This part of the surgery is most critical to its success. The skin is then closed. A bulky dressing is applied.

Young children may need to wear a cast to protect the area from injury.

Indications:

The surgery is recommended in a case of amputated fingers or toes, with salvaged digits in a condition that would enable replantation.

Review Date: 10/27/2004
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, M.D., M.S.C.E., Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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