Digital replantation and amputation--comparison of function.

Clearer indications regarding when to replant an amputated digit can be obtained by comparing the functional capabilities of two similar groups of patients, one of which has had amputations and one of which has had replantations. This paper reports such a comparative study. Function was assessed by asking the patient to perform 10 tests designed to cover a broad spectrum of everyday activities, and grip strength was compared to that in a normal hand. Grip strength was appreciably greater in patients with replanted thumbs and multiple digits, and less so in those with replanted single digits. Based on our findings on the small, but intensively studied, number of patients assessed in this review, it would appear that thumbs should always be replanted if possible. In contrast, the functional analysis shows little necessity for replantation of a single finger. Multiple digital replantation assumes lesser functional value if one or more fingers remain that can oppose the thumb to provide prehension.