Management of amputated digits

Abstract

Traumatic digit amputations account for 1% of all trauma admissions and are an important cause of morbidity in young, working people. It is essential that patients are worked up appropriately and referred promptly to a specialist unit for consideration of replantation. This review summarises the acute management of a patient presenting to the emergency department with an amputated digit. It discusses the assessment, initial management in the emergency department, how to make the decision to replant and operative steps.

Keywords: Amputated digits; Hand surgery; Microsurgery; Replantation; Trauma.