Replantation of fingertip amputation by using the pocket principle in adults

There are several treatment modalities for zone 1 or zone 2 fingertip amputations that cannot be replanted by using microsurgical techniques, such as delayed secondary healing, stump revision, skin graft, local flaps, distant flaps, and composite graft. Among these, composite graft of the amputated digit tip is the only possible means of achieving a full-length digit with a normal nail complex. The pocket principle can provide an extra blood supply for survival of the composite graft of the amputated finger by enlarging the area of vascular contact. The surgery was performed in two stages. The amputated digit was debrided, deepithelialized, and reattached to the proximal stump. The reattached finger was inserted into the abdominal pocket. About 3 weeks later, the finger was removed from the pocket and covered with a skin graft. We have consecutively replanted 29 fingers in 25 adult patients with fingertip amputations by using the pocket principle. All were complete amputations with crushing or avulsion injuries. Average age was 33.64 years, and men were predominant. The right hand, the dominant one, was more frequently injured, with the middle finger being the most commonly injured. Of the 29 fingers, 16 (55.2 percent) survived completely and 10 (34.5 percent) had partial necrosis less than one-quarter of the length of the amputated part. The results of the above 26 fingers were satisfactory from both functional and cosmetic aspects. Twenty of the 29 fingers, which had been followed up for more than 6 months (an average of 16 months), were included in a sensory evaluation. Fifteen of these 20 fingers (75 percent) were classified as "good" (static two-point discrimination of less than 8 mm and normal use). From the overall results and our experience, we suggest that the pocket principle is a safe and valuable method in replantation of zone 1 or zone 2 fingertip amputation, an alternative to microvascular replantation, even in adults.     

Fingertip replantation using the subdermal pocket procedure

Restoration of finger length and function are the goals of replantation after fingertip amputation. Methods include microsurgical replantation and nonmicrosurgical replantation, such as composite graft techniques. To increase the survival rates for composite grafts, the subcutaneous pocket procedure has been used as a salvage procedure. The subdermal pocket procedure, which is a modification of the subcutaneous pocket procedure, was used for replantation of 17 fingertips in 16 consecutive patients. Eight fingertips experienced guillotine injuries and the other nine fingertips experienced crush injuries. Revascularization of one digital artery without available venous outflow was performed for six fingers, and composite graft techniques were used for the other 11 fingers. The success rate was 16 of 17 cases. The difference in success rates for guillotine versus crush injuries was statistically significant. Comparison of patients with arterial anastomoses and patients without arterial anastomoses also indicated a statistically significant difference. Thirteen fingertips survived completely. One finger, demonstrating complete loss and early termination of the pocketing procedure, was amputated on the eighth postoperative day. Two fingers were partially lost because of severe crushing injuries. One finger demonstrated partial loss of more than one quarter of the fingertip, which required secondary revision, because the patient was a heavy smoker. The pocketing period was 8 +/- 1 days (mean +/- SD, n = 6) for the fingers revascularized with one digital arterial anastomosis and 13.3 +/- 1.9 days (n = 10) for the fingers successfully replanted with composite graft techniques. The mean active range of motion of the interphalangeal joint of the three thumbs was 65 +/- 5 degrees, and that of the distal interphalangeal joint of the other 11 fingers was 51 +/- 11 degrees. The static two-point discrimination result was 6.4 +/- 1.0 mm (n = 14) after an average of 11 +/- 5 months of follow-up monitoring. Compared with other methods, the subdermal pocket procedure has the advantages of exact subdermal/subdermal contact, a shorter pocketing period, and more feasible observation. The method can offer an alternative salvage procedure for fingertip amputations with no suitable vessels available for microsurgical replantation.     

Reconstruction of fingertip amputations with full-thickness perionychial grafts from the retained part and local flaps.

The treatment of fingertip amputations distal to the distal interphalangeal joint when the amputated part is saved is difficult and controversial. Both reattachment of the amputated portion as a composite graft and microvascular anastomosis are prone to failure in this distal location. The authors have evolved a reconstructive plan that uses the nail matrix, perionychium, and hyponychium of the amputated fingertip as a full-thickness graft when the amputation is between the midportion of the nail bed andjust proximal to the eponychial fold. Various flaps are used to lengthen and augment the finger pulp, and skeletal pinning is carried out as necessary. The charts of 15 patients who underwent this procedure over a 38 month period were evaluated retrospectively. Seven returned to the office for examination at least 1 year after the fingertip reconstruction described above; four others were interviewed by telephone. Nail deformity, fingertip sensation, and joint range of motion were evaluated, and the reconstructed fingertips were photographed in standardized views. In six of the seven patients seen in the office, aesthetic and functional results were judged as good by both patient and physician; one of the six had minimal nail curvature. The seventh patient had no nail growth, although finger length was retained and there was no functional disability. The four patients interviewed by phone reported normal fingertip use with no dysesthesias or cold intolerance; all had nail growth, although three patients described slight nail curvature that required care in trimming. The authors favor salvage of all perionychial parts when a distal fingertip amputation occurs. Reconstruction of the fingertip with grafting of the hyponychium, perionychium, and nail matrix from the amputated part combined with local flaps can provide a very satisfactory functional and aesthetic result.     

低分子肝素钙对小血管损伤术后血液流变学影响的临床研究

目的：观察应用低分子肝素钙如何提高断指再植成活率的作用机制,为临床更好的应用低分子肝素钙提供理论基础。方法：通过临床随机对照试验设计,以30例断指再植患者为研究对象,30例健康成人为参照对象。观察30例断指再植患者术前术后不同时段血液流变学指标的变化。结果：断指患者受伤至术后72h血液流变学指标均明显升高,与对照组比较有显著差异（P〈0.01）。低分子肝素钙可以显著降低断指再植患者的血液粘度,改善血液不利于断指成活状态,提高断指成活率,降低其坏死率、致残率。结论：低分子肝素钙,毒副作用小,为防治断指再植术后并发症的一种良药,为临床断指成功再植提供了一种较为理想的治疗方法。     

Saving Amputated Digits: Current Status of Replantation of Fingers and Hands

Since the advent of microsurgery in the 1960''s it has become possible to sucessfully repair vessels as small as 0.5 mm in diameter, which makes the replantation of totally severed digits possible. Some centers have reported 50 to 60 percent survival of completely severed digits and up to 100 percent survival of amputated hands and of partially amputed but otherwise non-viable digits that were reattached. In view of this success, severed members should be considered as potentially replantable.The recommended indications for replantation are: (1) multiple digital amputations at or proximal to the proximal interphalangeal joint; (2) amputation of the thumb; (3) amputation of the wrist or hand; (4) partially attached digits that are non-viable without reattachment.The surviving replanted digits give functional improvement to the hand and prove cosmetically acceptable.     

Finger Tip Amputations—Review of Procedures and Applications

Repair of finger tip amputations depends upon the slope of transsection and how much of the tip has been amputated. Type 1 and 2 injuries are easily handled in the emergency room by local flaps with results acceptable by functional and economic criteria. Type 3 amputations with losses of less than 25 percent can be repaired by primary closure. Losses of 50 percent or over are best treated by local or “distant” flaps from the involved or adjacent fingers or palm. Each style of flap and technique has advantages and disadvantages.     

红花注射液在断指再植术后应用的临床疗效分析

目的：探讨红花注射液对断指再植术后缺血再灌注损伤治疗的临床疗效。方法：2009年8月至2011年02月选取我院就诊患者中完全离断断指186病例200指,随机分为缺血再灌注损伤组、对照组,分别记录抗缺血在灌注损伤组和对照组血管痉挛、血管栓塞、指体坏死发生的例数。选取部分患者测定血清丙二醛（MDA）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）在灌注前后的变化,并进行统计学分析。结果：对照组断指存活率86%,抗缺血再灌注损伤组断指存活率95%。抗缺血再灌注损伤组与对照组断指再植术后血管痉挛、血管栓塞、断指坏死发生率差异具有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。断指再指术后红花注射液能减少MDA的产生,提高SOD的活性,抗缺血再灌注损伤组再灌注后24h及1周的血液中MDA和SOD含量与对照组相比有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。结论：红花注射液能减轻断指再指术后缺血再灌注损伤,减少术后并发症的发生,提高了断指再植的成功率,疗效确切,无明显不良反应。     

Soft-tissue injuries of the fingertip: methods of evaluation and treatment. An algorithmic approach

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the anatomy of the fingertip. 2. Describe the methods of evaluating fingertip injuries. 3. Discuss reconstructive options for various tip injuries. SUMMARY: The fingertip is the most commonly injured part of the hand, and therefore fingertip injuries are among the most frequent injuries that plastic surgeons are asked to treat. Although microsurgical techniques have enabled replantation of even very distal tip amputations, it is relatively uncommon that a distal tip injury will be appropriate for replantation. In the event that replantation is not pursued, options for distal tip soft-tissue reconstruction must be considered. This review presents a straightforward method for evaluating fingertip injuries and provides an algorithm for fingertip reconstruction.     

The concept of fillet flaps: classification, indications, and analysis of their clinical value

Tissue of amputated or nonsalvageable limbs may be used for reconstruction of complex defects resulting from tumor and trauma. This is the "spare parts" concept.By definition, fillet flaps are axial-pattern flaps that can function as composite-tissue transfers. They can be used as pedicled or free flaps and are a beneficial reconstruction strategy for major defects, provided there is tissue available adjacent to these defects.From 1988 to 1999, 104 fillet flap procedures were performed on 94 patients (50 pedicled finger and toe fillets, 36 pedicled limb fillets, and 18 free microsurgical fillet flaps).Nineteen pedicled finger fillets were used for defects of the dorsum or volar aspect of the hand, and 14 digital defects and 11 defects of the forefoot were covered with pedicled fillets from adjacent toes and fingers. The average size of the defects was 23 cm2. Fourteen fingers were salvaged. Eleven ray amputations, two extended procedures for coverage of the hand, and nine forefoot amputations were prevented. In four cases, a partial or total necrosis of a fillet flap occurred (one patient with diabetic vascular disease, one with Dupuytren's contracture, and two with high-voltage electrical injuries).Thirty-six pedicled limb fillet flaps were used in 35 cases. In 12 cases, salvage of above-knee or below-knee amputated stumps was achieved with a plantar neurovascular island pedicled flap. In seven other cases, sacral, pelvic, groin, hip, abdominal wall, or lumbar defects were reconstructed with fillet-of-thigh or entire-limb fillet flaps. In five cases, defects of shoulder, head, neck, and thoracic wall were covered with upper-arm fillet flaps. In nine cases, defects of the forefoot were covered by adjacent dorsal or plantar fillet flaps. In two other cases, defects of the upper arm or the proximal forearm were reconstructed with a forearm fillet. The average size of these defects was 512 cm2. Thirteen major joints were salvaged, three stumps were lengthened, and nine foot or forefoot amputations were prevented. One partial flap necrosis occurred in a patient with a fillet-of-sole flap. In another case, wound infection required revision and above-knee amputation with removal of the flap.Nine free plantar fillet flaps were performed-five for coverage of amputation stumps and four for sacral pressure sores. Seven free forearm fillet flaps, one free flap of forearm and hand, and one forearm and distal upper-arm fillet flap were performed for defect coverage of the shoulder and neck area. The average size of these defects was 432 cm2. Four knee joints were salvaged and one above-knee stump was lengthened. No flap necrosis was observed. One patient died of acute respiratory distress syndrome 6 days after surgery.Major complications were predominantly encountered in small finger and toe fillet flaps. Overall complication rate, including wound dehiscence and secondary grafting, was 18 percent. This complication rate seems acceptable. Major complications such as flap loss, flap revision, or severe infection occurred in only 7.5 percent of cases. The majority of our cases resulted from severe trauma with infected and necrotic soft tissues, disseminated tumor disease, or ulcers in elderly, multimorbid patients.On the basis of these data, a classification was developed that facilitates multicenter comparison of procedures and their clinical success. Fillet flaps facilitate reconstruction in difficult and complex cases. The spare part concept should be integrated into each trauma algorithm to avoid additional donor-site morbidity and facilitate stump-length preservation or limb salvage.     

Rehabilitation process and functional results of patients with amputated fingers

Digit amputation is a physical and psychological trauma that can influence the daily living of a person. The rehabilitation of patients with digit amputation is a complex process and should take into consideration all influencing factors, such as the functional, emotional, social, and professional profile of the patient. This study was conducted to evaluate the functional level of patients with amputated fingers and to understand the factors that influence their rehabilitation. Fifty patients (42 male and 8 female with an age ranging from 7 to 84 years) who had digit amputation(s) between January of 1990 and December of 1998 at the level of the metacarpus or distal to it and who had at least 6 months of follow-up were examined. The patients were divided into three different study groups: patients with distal amputation were compared with patients who had proximal amputation, patients with one finger amputation were compared with patients who had multiple finger amputations, and patients who suffered finger amputations caused by work-related accidents were compared with those who suffered amputations caused by other incidents. In addition, the time lapse from the amputation was checked as an influencing factor for different functional levels. The results showed that patients with distal amputation reached a higher motor and sensory functional level than patients with proximal amputation. Patients with one-finger amputation reached higher motor, sensory, and activities of daily living functional levels than patients with multiple amputations, and the level of motor and sensory function of patients with finger amputations caused by work-related accidents was lower than that of patients who suffered amputations in other incidents. Time was proven to be an important factor in the process of motor and emotional recovery.     

The dorsal reverse adipofascial flap for fingertip reconstruction

Nine patients who presented with fingertip amputations were treated with the dorsal reverse adipofascial flap. The mean age of the patients was 41.3 years and the mean follow-up was 18 months. The flap described here was used only for amputations at the level of the nail fold, from approximately the lunula to the proximal nail matrix. This flap is based on the dorsal arterial branches that originate from the volar digital arteries just distal to the distal interphalangeal joint. The flap uses only the adipofascial tissue over the middle phalanx of the injured finger; it is turned over to cover the fingertip defect and then covered with a split-thickness skin graft. All flaps survived completely, and the patients continue to use their fingertips as before the amputation injury. This one-step operation is easily performed (even in the emergency department), makes no use of the adjacent digits, and provides a pleasing and stable cover for the fingertips.     

Avulsion injuries of the thumb

Avulsion amputations of the thumb are generally thought to have a worse prognosis after replantation than other amputations. We report the results of 17 thumbs that had an avulsion amputation and were replanted. Fourteen of the 17 survived (82 percent). Our experience indicated that the survival rate was improved by restoring continuity of at least two veins and two arteries, using a Y-shaped vein graft and the princeps pollicis artery for the source of arterial circulation. Nerve grafts were used to bridge defects in avulsed digital nerves. When possible, avulsed tendons were reattached to their muscle. Key pinch strength was 60 percent of normal, and grip strength was always less than that of the normal hand. The age of the patients and the cold ischemia time had no significant effect on either survival or function of the replanted thumb. When excellent venous backflow occurred immediately after the vessel repair and continued for at least 20 minutes, the thumb always survived without complications.     

The timing of neovascularization in fingertip replantation by external bleeding

To overcome venous congestion in fingertip replantation with no venous anastomosis, the authors have used a salvage procedure that consists of continuous external bleeding through a stab incision on the paraungual area and dripping a heparinized saline solution at the incision site to maintain external bleeding. Because this method requires continuous bleeding for a certain period of time, it may be a great burden on the patient; therefore, it is most important to minimize the duration of bleeding. Many authors have studied the timing of the new venous channel formation of the flap. However, to our knowledge, a study on fingertip replantations has not yet been performed. From June of 1985 to November of 1999, the authors performed fingertip replantations on 144 fingers of 137 patients using our salvage procedure at Korea University Guro Hospital. Among the 144 fingers, 101 fingers of 96 patients were successfully transplanted, including those with partial necrosis. The authors reviewed the medical records of these 101 fingers retrospectively; they compared and analyzed the necessary duration of external bleeding according to sex, age, level of injury, cause of amputation, and the type of injury. The average period of the salvage procedure was 7.6 days. Regarding age, the shortest period (5.5 days) was required for patients younger than 10 years. On the basis of the types of injuries, the duration of bleeding was shortest for the guillotine injury group (5.9 days) compared with crush (8.2 days) or avulsion (8.0 days) injuries. Sex and level of injury did not make much difference in the duration of the procedure.     

Significance of venous anastomosis in fingertip replantation

Adequate venous outflow is the most important factor for successful fingertip replantation. The authors have attempted venous anastomosis in all cases of fingertip replantation to overcome postoperative congestion. In this article, the significance of venous repair for fingertip replantation is described from the authors' results of 64 complete fingertip amputations in 55 consecutive patients, which were replanted from January of 1996 to June of 2001. The overall survival rate was 86 percent. Of the 44 replantations in zone I, 37 survived, and the success rate was 84 percent. Of the 20 replantations in zone II, 18 survived, and the success rate was 90 percent. Venous anastomosis was attempted in all cases, but it was possible in 39 zone I and in all zone II replantations. For arterial repair, vein grafts were necessary in 17 of the 44 zone I and in one of the 20 zone II replantations; for venous repair, they were necessary in six zone I replantations and one zone II replantation. Postoperative vascular complications occurred in 15 replantations. There were five cases of arterial thrombosis and 10 cases of venous congestion. Venous congestion occurred in nine zone I and one zone II replantations. In five of these 10 replantations, venous anastomosis was not possible. In another five replantations, venous outflow was established at the time of surgery, but occlusion occurred subsequently. Except for the five failures resulting from arterial thrombosis, successful venous repair was possible in 49 of 59 replantations (83 percent). Despite the demand for skillful microsurgical technique and longer operation time, the authors' results using venous anastomosis in successful fingertip replantations are encouraging. By performing venous anastomosis, external bleeding can be avoided and a higher survival rate can be achieved. Venous anastomosis for fingertip replantation is a reliable and worthwhile procedure.     

Transplantation of an osteoarthrotendinous allograft with autogenous soft-tissue coverage for thumb reconstruction

A fresh-frozen thumb osteoarthrotendinous allograft and autogenous coverage were used to reconstruct a thumb. Immunosuppressants were not used. The components of the composite allograft are present and functioning 1 year post-operatively. Host cells have replaced and are replacing bone and tendinous structures. The "survival" of this osteoarthrotendinous allograft may have important implications in the treatment of patients with previous digital amputations, congenital absence of digits, and amputated digits that have failed replantation or are not replantable because of severely damaged vessels.     

Heterodigital arterialized flaps for large finger wounds: results and indications

Deep defects of the hand and fingers with an unhealthy bed exposing denuded tendon, bone, joint, or neurovascular structures require flap coverage. However, the location and size of the defects often preclude the use of local flap coverage. Free-flap coverage is often not desirable either, because the recipient vessels may be unhealthy from surrounding infection or trauma. In such situations, a regional pedicled flap is preferable. A solution to this is the heterodigital arterialized flap. This flap is supplied by the digital artery and a dorsal vein of the finger for venous drainage. Unlike the neurovascular island flap, the digital nerve is left in situ in the donor finger, thus avoiding many of the neurologic complications associated with the Littler flap. The digital artery island flap is centered on the midlateral line of the donor finger. It extends from the middorsal line to the midpalmar line. The maximal length of the flap is from the base of the finger to the distal interphalangeal joint. By preserving the pulp and the digital nerve, a sensate pulp on the donor finger remains that reduces donor-finger morbidity and also preserves fingertip cosmesis. Twenty-nine flaps were performed in 29 patients and the outcomes in the donor finger and the reconstructed finger were reviewed. The flap survival was 100 percent. There were no cases of flap ischemia or flap congestion. Good venous drainage of the flap through the additional dorsal vein was helpful in preventing the occurrence of early postoperative venous congestion, which is common in island flaps of the fingers, which depend on only the venae comitantes for drainage. Donor-finger morbidity, measured in terms of range of motion and two-point discrimination in the pulp, was minimal. Ninety-seven percent of the donor fingers achieved excellent or good total active motion according to the criteria of Strickland and Glogovac. Pulp sensation in the donor fingers was normal in 28 of the 29 donor fingers. No cold intolerance of the donor finger or the adjacent finger is reported in this series.     

AO微型钢板与克氏针固定在断指再植术中的临床应用比较

目的：比较AO微型钢板与克氏针内固定在断指再植术中的临床应用效果。方法：断指患者52例,其中26例（34指）断指采用AO微型钢板内固定治疗（观察组）,另26例（37指）采用克氏针交叉固定治疗（对照组）,术后均辅以功能康复训练。比较两组患者的手术时间、骨折愈合时间及断指功能恢复优良率。结果：观察组与对照组断指再植平均耗时分别为（83．5±10．2）min、（62．7±8．3）min（P〈0．01）,骨折愈合时间分别为（5．8±0．9）周、（8．4±1．7）周（P〈0．01）,断指功能恢复优良率分别为91．2％、62．2％（P〈0．01）。结论：在断指再植术中应用AO微型钢板内固定与克氏针比较,虽手术耗时较长,但骨折愈合时间短,断指功能恢复优良,值得临床推广应用。     

激光多普勒血流仪在断指再植术后血运监测应用的效果研究

目的:为了提高临床断指再植手术效果,分析断指再植术后彩色多普勒血流成像仪的临床应用效果价值。方法:从2016年9月至2017年9月在我院接受断指再植术治疗的60例患者中,采用随机数表法随机将其分为实验组和对照组各30例。实验组:采用激光多普勒血流成像仪监测再植肢体血运;对照组:采用传统方法监测再植肢体血运。探讨断指再植术后彩色多普勒血流成像仪的临床应用价值。结果:研究结果显示,和对照组相比观察组患者断指再植术后血管栓塞率、血管危象发生率明显降低,而断指成活率以及成活再植指术后功能恢复情况则明显增加(P0.05)。结论:将彩色多普勒血流监测应用于断指再植术后,能够无创、实时、灵敏的反应再植指术后的血运情况,有助于及时发现各种不良事件的,提高再植成功率,效果显著,值得推广。     

AO 微型钢板与克氏针固定在断指再植术中的临床应用比较

目的:比较AO微型钢板与克氏针内固定在断指再植术中的临床应用效果。方法:断指患者52例,其中26例(34指)断指采用AO微型钢板内固定治疗(观察组),另26例(37指)采用克氏针交叉固定治疗(对照组),术后均辅以功能康复训练。比较两组患者的手术时间、骨折愈合时间及断指功能恢复优良率。结果:观察组与对照组断指再植平均耗时分别为(83.5±10.2)min、(62.7±8.3)min(P<0.01),骨折愈合时间分别为(5.8±0.9)周、(8.4±1.7)周(P<0.01),断指功能恢复优良率分别为91.2%、62.2%(P<0.01)。结论:在断指再植术中应用AO微型钢板内固定与克氏针比较,虽手术耗时较长,但骨折愈合时间短,断指功能恢复优良,值得临床推广应用。     

Modeling of time-dependent force response of fingertip to dynamic loading

An extended exposure to repeated loading on fingertip has been associated to many vascular, sensorineural, and musculoskeletal disorders in the fingers, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, hand-arm vibration syndrome, and flexor tenosynovitis. A better understanding of the pathomechanics of these sensorineural and vascular diseases in fingers requires a formulation of a biomechanical model of the fingertips and analyses to predict the mechanical responses of the soft tissues to dynamic loading. In the present study, a model based on finite element techniques has been developed to simulate the mechanical responses of the fingertips to dynamic loading. The proposed model is two-dimensional and incorporates the essential anatomical structures of a finger: skin, subcutaneous tissue, bone, and nail. The skin tissue is assumed to be hyperelastic and viscoelastic. The subcutaneous tissue was considered to be a nonlinear, biphasic material composed of a hyperelastic solid and an invicid fluid, while its hydraulic permeability was considered to be deformation dependent. Two series of numerical tests were performed using the proposed finger tip model to: (a) simulate the responses of the fingertip to repeated loading, where the contact plate was assumed to be fixed, and the bone within the fingertip was subjected to a prescribed sinusoidal displacement in vertical direction; (b) simulate the force response of the fingertip in a single keystroke, where the keyboard was composed of a hard plastic keycap, a rigid support block, and a nonlinear spring. The time-dependent behavior of the fingertip under dynamic loading was derived. The model predictions of the time-histories of force response of the fingertip and the phenomenon of fingertip separation from the contacting plate during cyclic loading agree well with the reported experimental observations.