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A technique for replantation of the finger tip
Author(s) -
Tsai TsuMin,
McCabe Steven J.,
Maki Yutaka
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.1920100102
Subject(s) - medicine , replantation , interphalangeal joint , surgery , venous congestion , hand surgery , distal interphalangeal joint , range of motion , microsurgery , numerical digit , mathematics , arithmetic
The finger‐tip replantation technique reported here has evolved over 15 years. Indications for surgery include both strong patient desire and specialized use of the finger tip. Palmar flaps are elevated as full‐thickness skin grafts to avoid injury to palmar veins. Arteries and palmar digital veins are repaired using an open‐vessel technique. Postoperative care varies from immediate discharge with follow‐up to inpatient care using surgical leeches or continuous bleeding as a method of drainage should venous congestion develop. The survival rate of 26 finger tips replanted using this technique between 1981 and 1987 was 69%. Two‐point discrimination returned in 75% of patients, and 25% had two‐point discrimination of less than 5 mm. The distal interphalangeal joint retained an average range of motion of 56°. Appearance was excellent, and patient satisfaction was high.