Skip to main content

Re-Implantation and Amputation of the Digits and Thumb

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
European Surgical Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Abstract

Replantation surgery is a demanding procedure that requires expertise in microsurgical techniques. The indications for replantation are well documented with formulated guidelines. For cases that face more complex problems, the surgeon should be aware of other alternative techniques. Sophisticated measures are now available to follow the replanted digit post-operatively and a plethora of methods are available for early identification of complications. Nonetheless, the presence of a member of the replantation team with the assistance of a nurse on a 24-h basis is still widely accepted as the most beneficial means for avoiding an undesirable post-operative course for the replanted digit. Overall, the current aim which underlines the philosophy in digital replantation today is ensuring not only the survival of the finger, but more importantly its functional use as well. Experience dictates that this can be achieved only if the basic principles and indications are adhered to.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 649.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 949.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Beris AE, Soucacos PN, Malizos KN, Xenakis TA. Microsurgical treatment of ring avulsion injuries. Microsurgery. 1994;15:459–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Beris AE, Soucacos PN, Malizos KN. Microsurgery in children. Clin Orthop. 1995;314:112–21.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Hunter JM. Staged flexor tendon reconstruction. In: Hunter JM, Schneider LH, Mackin EJ, Callahan AO, editors. Rehabilitation of the hand. St. Louis: CV Mosby Co; 1984. p. 288–313.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Komatsu S, Tamai S. Successful replantation of a completely cut-off thumb: case report. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1968;42:374–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Malizos KN, Beris AE, Kabani CT, Soucacos PN. Distal phalanx microsurgical replantation. Microsurgery. 1994;15:464–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Merle M, Dap F, Bour C. Digital replantation. In: Meyer VE, editor. Black MJM: microsurgical procedures. London: Churchill Livingstone; 1991. p. 21–35.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Soucacos PN, Beris AE, Malizos KN, Touliatos AS. Bilateral thumb amputation. Microsurgery. 1994;15:454–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Soucacos PN, Beris AE, Malizos KN, Kabani CT, Pakos S. The use of medicinal leeches, Hirudo medicinalis, to restore venous circulation in trauma and reconstructive microsurgery. Intern Angiol. 1994;13:319–25.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Soucacos PN, Beris AE, Malizos KN, Vlastou C, Soucacos PK, Georgoulis AD. Transpositional microsurgery in multiple digital amputations. Microsurg. 1994;15:469–73.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Soucacos PN: Microsurgery in orthopaedics. In Casteleyn PP, Duparc J, Fulford P, editors. European Instructional Course Lectures. Vol 2. London: Br Editorial Soc Bone Joint Surg. 1995a;149–156.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Soucacos PN, Beris AE, Touliatos AS, Korobilias AB, Gelalis J, Sakas G. Complete versus incomplete nonviable amputations of the thumb: comparison of the survival rate and functional results. Acta Orthop Scand. 1995;66 Suppl 264:16–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Soucacos PN, Beris AE, Touliatos AS, Vekris M, Pakos S, Varitimidis S. Current indications for single digit replantation. Acta Orthop Scand. 1995;66 Suppl 264:12–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Soucacos PN. Two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction using silicone rods. In: Vastamaki M, editor. Current trends in hand surgery. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 1995. p. 353–7.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Soucacos PN. Indications and selection for digital amputation and replantation. J Hand Surg Br. 2001;26:572–81.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Touliatos AS, Soucacos PN, Beris AE, Zoubos AB, Koukoubis TH, Makris H. Alternative techniques for restoration of bony segments in digital replantation. Acta Orthop Scand. 1995;66 Suppl 264:19–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Urbaniak JR, Roth JH, Nunley JA, Goldner RD, Koman A. The results of replantation after amputation of a single finger. J Bone Joint Surg. 1985;67A:611–9.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Urbaniak JR. Digital replantation: a 12-year experience. In: Urbaniak JR, editor. Microsurgery for major limb reconstruction. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby; 1987. p. 12–21.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Zoubos AB, Soucacos PN, Seaber AV, Urbaniak JR. The effect of heparin after microvascular repair in traumatically damaged arteries. Int Angiol. 1994;13(3):245–9.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Panayotis N. Soucacos .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 EFORT

About this entry

Cite this entry

Soucacos, P.N. (2014). Re-Implantation and Amputation of the Digits and Thumb. In: Bentley, G. (eds) European Surgical Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-34746-7_90

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-34746-7_90

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-34745-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-34746-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics