Restoration of Basic Hand Function by Double Transpositional Digital Replantation in Five-Digit Amputations

Abstract

In multiple digital amputations with severe crush injury, replantation of digits with a poor prognosis is often fruitless. Those digits with a favorable prognosis should be selectively replanted in positions that provide optimal functional outcome, regardless of their anatomic origins: this is the principle of transpositional replantation. The authors present a case of right-hand crush injury with amputation of all five digits. Basic hand function was restored by double transpositional digital replantations without additional reconstructive procedures. In properly selected cases, such procedures can preserve greater hand function and reduce the necessity for secondary operations. It is suggested that transpositional replantation should be considered when multiple digital amputations are encountered.