Wei F C, Chang Y L, Chen H C, Chuang C C
Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 1988 Aug;82(2):346-50. doi: 10.1097/00006534-198808000-00026.
Three successful digital replantations were performed on a patient after 84, 86, and 94 hours of prolonged cold ischemia time. Both the intraoperative and postoperative courses were smooth. Functional evaluation 8 months after operation revealed a normal speed of sensory recovery and nail growth. The atrophic changes in all three replants are mild. Total active movement was 45, 100, and 70 degrees in the replanted left thumb, left index finger, and right thumb, respectively. There is no cold intolerance. The overall functional result is satisfactory. Replantation of an amputated digit that is properly cooled immediately after injury should be attempted in selected patients even after prolonged ischemia time.
