Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  
  Home   |   Site Map   |   Contact Us   |   Links   |   News  
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  
Advanced Search
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
HomeAbout replantation surgeryBefore surgeryDeciding on surgeryDelay of surgeryAge of patientType of injuryDetails of the surgeryAfter surgery

Print Print Complete Article
View article with questions View article with questions



Hand Replantation Surgery.

Last updated Wednesday, February 09, 2005

<< Previous Page Next Page >>

Deciding on surgery

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

Delay of 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.

Age of patient

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.

Type of injury

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.


<< Previous Page Next Page >>


How useful was this page or article?

This article is rated *** out of 5 stars (33 ratings).

Not useful at all Not very useful Useful Very useful Extremely useful
* ** *** **** *****
Team Physicians to the UW Huskies Varsity Athletes...And You!
Copyrights and disclaimer  | Privacy statement | Editorial policy
Problems or questions? Contact the webmaster.
Copyright © 2008 University of Washington - Seattle, WA. All rights reserved.