Replantation of digits

Alternative names:

reattachment of amputated fingers; revascularization of amputated digits

Expectations after surgery:

Children are especially good candidates for replantation surgery because of their great ability to heal and regenerate tissue. Replantation of an amputated part is ideally performed within 4 to 6 hours after injury, but success has been reported up to 24 hours after the injury if the amputated part has been cooled. Proper care of the amputated part(s) is vital to successful replantation. Under proper conditions, the long-term prognosis for the restoration of function in the digit is quite good.

Convalescence:

Special care is needed in the hospital to monitor and maintain the circulation to the replanted part. The extremity will be kept elevated. The room may be kept quite warm to ensure that the circulation to the skin is not altered due to cooling. After discharge from the hospital in about a week, your child may wear a cast to protect the part. Continuing circulation checks are necessary.