[Replantation of the hand and fingers]

Abstract

Using microsurgical techniques to replant an amputated hand or digit is one of the most important progress in the field of hand surgery during the last three decades. The result of a replantation depends on: the mechanism and the level of amputation, the length and the type of ischaemia of the amputated segment, the surgical techniques, the postoperative care, the rehabilitation and so on. Although the success of a replantation is first judged on the survival of the replanted segment, it nevertheless should be assessed on the function achieved. Thanks to the 30-year clinical experience, the final functional result of a replantation can now be anticipated at initial examination; thus indications can be better established by patient selection criteria. The replantation of the hand and the digits is henceforth reasonable only if there is a possibility of a useful functional result.