Lower extremity replantation-two and a half-year follow-up.

Successful replantation of the lower extremity at the above-knee level in an 11-year-old girl is reported with a two and a half-year follow-up. The patient has nerve regeneration and protective sensation to her foot. She is fully ambulatory and uses a brace to stabilize her ankle with a 51/2 cm lift on her shoe. Scanograms have revealed a growth of the severed extremity and the initial 10 cm discrepancy between the two legs is now approximately 51/2 cm. Lower extremity replantation is advocated in children and young adults where nerve regeneration is probable. Short ischemia time, probably less than seven hours, is essential for survival.