A four-year community hospital experience regarding procedures for the replantation and revascularization of fingers

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the clinical results and experiences in a community hospital regarding procedures for the replantation and revascularization of fingers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2015 and December 2019, a total of 58 patients (51 males, 7 females; mean age: 33.4±6.3 years; range, 23 to 46 years) who were followed after total and/or subtotal amputation and replantation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were evaluated at nine months in terms of cold intolerance, static two-point discrimination, and functional results using the range of motion (ROM) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. RESULTS: The majority of the patients presented with work-related injuries (70%), most commonly by the mechanism of guillotine (64%), and to the dominant hand (76%) and the third finger (36%) most frequently. The overall success rate of digit salvage was 72.9% (n=51). Of 19 digits with unsuccessful surgical outcomes, seven were from total and 12 were from subtotal amputations. In the long-term, cold intolerance was observed in 14 patients (24.1%) according to the cold intolerance severity scale. The mean static two-point discrimination value was 6.0±0.7 mm and the mean QuickDASH score was 22.3±5.0. The mean ROM measured at nine months after surgery in the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the third and fourth digits was significantly lower than that in the others (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The predictors of survival of a replanted digit indicated in this study can be used as a guide and decision-making aid for any attempts for replantation.