Distal Phalanx Replantation: Experience of Cheng-Ching Hospital

Abstract

Microsurgical replantation has been attempted in the distal phalanx of the digits at Ping-Tien Branch Cheng-Ching Hospital. From May 1998 to May 2004, 102 digits in 91 patients with complete amputations at or distal to the distal interphalangeal joint were reviewed. Because of the high social value placed on body form and function, the indication for replantation was extended to cases with severe soft-tissue injuries and as a routine procedure in nearly distal phalanx amputation cases. The over all survival rate was 85.3 percent, with the survival rate for zone I being 76.2 percent and that for zone II reaching 91 percent. Even in cases with severe crush or avulsion injury, the survival rate was high. 40 of 52 patients returned to their original work. Only 3 cases changed their job. We feel that distal digital replantation is rewarding. Patients' satisfaction, aesthetically and functionally, is high.