[Classification of total and subtotal amputations]

Abstract

Up to now the succes rates in replantation surgery which are reported in the literature do not include the functional results. To compare the final functional results it is necessary to have a common international classification of what is a complete amputation and what is a incomplete one. It is then important to compare only similar subtotal amputations. In this paper we suggest a definition and classification of amputations in the upper extremity in the following way: type I....bone type II....extensor tendons type III....flexor tendons type IV....palmar digital nerves type V....skin A subtotal amputation will intakt flexor and extensor tendons as well as palmar nerves should be classified as "type II, III. IV".