The functional results of hand replantation. The Chepstow experience

Abstract

Eight hands amputated at wrist or distal forearm level were replanted between 1983 and 1990. Steinman pins were used to obtain skeletal fixation at the wrist level in three patients. Secondary surgery was performed in seven patients. Six of the patients were available for review between 1.5 and 7.5 years (mean 3.6) after the injury. The functional results were assessed using the Tamai scoring system. Recovery of useful hand function has been achieved in most patients, although long-term recovery of sensibility was found to be disappointing. Despite this finding, five out of the six patients were highly satisfied with the result and four have returned to work.