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HomeAbout replantation surgeryBefore surgeryDeciding on surgeryDelay of surgeryAge of patientType of injuryDetails of the surgeryAfter surgery

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Hand Replantation Surgery.

Last updated Wednesday, February 09, 2005

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Deciding on surgery

There are several factors involved in the decision to surgically replant an amputated digit or limb.

How urgent is hand replantation surgery?

Surgery may not be possible when there has been a delay in reaching treatment. This can happen when patients have been hurt in remote areas or when other emergency medical treatment delays surgery to re-attach the amputated limb.

How does the age of the patient affect the success of hand replanation surgery?

Because the surgery can take many hours, the stresses of anesthesia and vascular changes such as hardening of the arteries may substantially increase the risks of the procedure for the older patient and decrease the chances for replantation success.

What types of injuries are treated by hand replanation surgery?

Crush injuries require the removal of all damaged tissue surrounding the injury. This can be extensive. Surgeries involving crush injuries have a much lower rate of success, with less chance of survival of the replanted digit or hand and less recovery of function, as compared to sharp injuries.

Foot and leg replantations are indicated only in special circumstances where a very sharp injury has occurred. it may be neccessary to remove a significant amount of damaged tissue at the site of amputation. Walking can be difficult when the foot or leg is shortened because of tissue removal. Some patients, following limb amputation, will not be able to walk or run until an artificial leg has been fitted.


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