[The use of radial artery for the revascularization of the amputated thumb].

We present one of several methods for revascularization of the replanted thumb. Index radial artery is prepared, transposed and anastomosed to pollicis princeps artery. Twenty-seven patients aged 12-67 operated between 1991 and 1997 due to total or subtotal thumb amputation were included in this study. The method was used in 6 of them. In 21 patients different methods were applied to restore thumb arterial circulation. Venous grafts were used in 5 cases, end to end anastomosis of the artery in 16 cases. Thumb necrosis occurred in 2 cases in the venous grafts group and in 5 cases in end to end group. All thumbs revascularized with index radial artery healed successfully. The method requires only one microanastomosis and the risk of thrombosis is relatively small. The method should be recommended in cases of large arterial defects as an alternative for venous grafting.