Forequarter Replantation and the Lessons Learnt

The literature on major upper limb replantation, especially those proximal to the elbow, is inadequate. An 18-year-old man presented to us with a left forequarter amputation. A replantation was attempted with a view to salvaging function and avoiding prosthesis. The procedure was technically challenging with a number of issues not highlighted in previous reports, particularly bony stabilization. The procedure was initially successful, with good perfusion. However, with time, the limb showed sepsis and had to be abandoned. We report this case to add to the literature on replantation at the shoulder level in the hope that this procedure may be reported successfully in the future.