REPLANTATION AND TRAUMATICALLY AMPUTATED FINGERS AND THUMBS
WHAT IS REPLANTATION?
Replantation refers to the surgical reattachment of a finger or thumb that has been traumatically amputated due to an accident. The procedure is performed to restore the function of the damaged finger or thumb.
WHY IS REPLANTATION DONE?
Replantation surgery is a complicated, technically challenging surgical procedure that involves reattaching a severed body part to the body, most typically a finger, hand, or arm. Thanks to significant developments in procedures and available technologies, the operation is utilised to reattach toes, feet, legs, ears, lips, tongue, and even genitals. Thousands of patients have had severed body parts reattached, averting the loss of hand or arm function due to amputations since the technique was first used in 1962. The replanted pieces have an average survival rate of 80 percent. The type of injury has a significant impact on the long-term functional consequences of replantation.
WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
Dr September will carefully remove any damaged tissue from the affected area before shortening and re-joining the bone ends with pins, wires, plates, or screws during the procedure. The muscles, tendons, arteries, nerves, and veins are then repaired. In some cases, skin grafts or artificial spacers of bone, skin, blood vessels, and tendons may be required. In the case of graft, tissue may be taken from the patient's body if possible.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
Braces are utilised from the start to protect the newly healed tendons while allowing the patient to move the replanted component. Limited motion therapy keeps joints from stiffening, muscles flexible, and scar formation to a minimum. Dr September will also recommend seeing a physiotherapist, as physical therapy often forms an important part of recovery. Even after you have healed, you may find that you cannot complete all of your goals. Many people may benefit from custom-made equipment that enables them to engage in specific activities or hobbies.