[Functional outcome and quality of life after ray amputation versus amputation through the proximal phalanx of the index finger].

Little data is available about the long-term functional outcome and quality of life after ray amputation or amputation at the level of the proximal phalanx of the index finger. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome and postoperative quality of life after ray amputation or amputation through the proximal phalanx to create a database which is helpful in the decision whether to amputate a digital ray or to preserve a stump.58 patients with amputation of the second ray and 12 patients with amputation through the proximal phalanx of the index finger between 1987 and 1996 were included in the study and examined with respect to hand strength, sensibility, range of motion, pain, and aesthetic result of the hand. Subjective functional outcome was evaluated using the DASH-questionnaire. The majority of patients were male (78 % with ray amputation/83 % with amputation through the proximal phalanx). In 55 %/58 % the operation was performed on the dominant hand. Average age was 45 years and average follow-up was 44.2 months after ray resection and 22.1 months after amputation through the proximal phalanx. Patients lost an average of 10.7 weeks of work after ray amputation and 8.1 weeks after digital amputation. There was no significant loss of grip strength after ray amputation (29 % to 34 % loss of grip strength, 32 % loss of pinch grip) compared with patients after amputation through the proximal phalanx (21 % to 28 % loss of grip strength, 17 % to 35 % loss of pinch grip). DASH-score was 31.3 after ray amputation and 21.7 after digital amputation. Patients with amputation through the proximal phalanx reached a significantly better result in part B of the DASH-questionnaire. 65.5 % of the patients after ray amputation and 91.7 % after digital amputation complained of postoperative pain in the operated hand. Decreased sensibility was found in 55.2 % after ray resection and in 33.3 % after digital amputation. All patients after amputation through the proximal phalanx but only 82.8 % after ray amputation showed a free range of motion of the operated hand. The aesthetic appearance of the operated hand was rated higher after ray amputation. The results show that there is no significant loss of strength after ray amputation compared to amputation through the proximal phalanx as mentioned in the literature. Patients with amputation through the proximal phalanx demonstrate a better functional outcome, while the aesthetic appearance was rated higher after ray amputation. A significant difference was only found in part B of the DASH-questionnaire. This should be considered when the indication for ray amputation is pending.