[Indications and contraindications of digital replantation]

Abstract

With the development of microsurgery, replantation surgery have become the method of choice in treating the digit amputations. Although better than 90% of successful rate can be achieved in replanting guillotine type amputation, the final functional recovery is the main goal. The indications include: (1) thumb amputations, (2) Zone I amputation, (3) multiple digits, (4) bilateral amputation, (5) hemi-hand amputations, (6) hand amputation at wrist to upper forearm, and (7) pediatric amputations. And the contraindications include: (1) life-threatening associated injuries, (2) technically impossible, and (3) self-inflicted injuries. As for condition which have been previously put in the contraindication categories, such as: (1) single finger amputation, (2) Zone II amputations, (3) severe crush or avulsion injuries, (4) geriatric amputations, and (5) lengthy ischemia time amputations, the decision of to replant or not to replant was not a straight forward one. The decisions are individualized to meet the needs of different patients.