Management of complications relating to finger amputation and replantation

Epidemiology and management of motorbike chain-related fingertip injuries: A retrospective study at B&B Hospital, Kathmandu

Fingertip injuries, particularly those resulting from motorbike chain accidents, pose significant challenges due to their impact on daily life activities. This retrospective study conducted at B&B Hospital in Kathmandu from January 2018 to December 2022 aimed to explore the epidemiology and management of motorbike chain-related fingertip injuries. Among the 256 cases of fingertip injuries studied, 136 were attributed to motorbike chain accidents. Males comprised the majority of cases, and the index and middle fingers were the most frequently injured. Various surgical procedures were employed for treatment, with V-Y Plasty being the most common. These findings underscore the complexity of managing these injuries and highlight the importance of preventive measures and patient-centered care.

Overview and management of complications after digital replantations

The main complications after digital replantation are discussed in this review article. These complications include vascular compromise, infection, partial necrosis, delayed union or nonunion, atrophy and so on. The countermeasures for these complications are reviewed and the authors' methods are also introduced and discussed.

Traumatic Finger Amputation in the U.S. Military

INTRODUCTION

Finger amputations can lead to loss of work time and suboptimal function, particularly in the active duty military. There is a paucity of epidemiologic and outcome data for these injuries. The purposes of this study are to define key demographic data pertaining to transphalangeal finger amputations in the U.S. Military and to assess epidemiological data to define risk factors for medical readiness following finger injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of the military electronic medical record of encounters between 2016 and 2019 with traumatic transphalangeal amputation ICD 10 codes S68.5 (thumb) and S68.6 (finger). Primary outcomes included median military occupational activity limitation length, ability to return to duty, and medical separation from the military.

RESULTS

A total of 235 patients were included in the final dataset. 221 (94.0%) of these service members were able to return to full duty, although 14 (6.0%) underwent medical separation from the military because of their finger injuries. The median limited duty timeline was 6 weeks. Significant risk factors identified that led to increased rates of medical separation were the use of tobacco (odds ratio [OR] of 5.53, 95% CI 1.21-25.29), junior enlisted status (OR of 5.51, 95% CI 1.67-18.17), and thumb or index finger involvement (OR of 3.50, 95% CI 1.13-10.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Within a physically high-demand population, traumatic finger amputation can limit duties and may lead to medical separation from service. Traumatic finger amputations are common and often require 6 weeks of restricted short-term disability, particularly in a tobacco-using, young, physically active cohort.

Risk Factors for Secondary Revision After Finger Amputations

BACKGROUND

Digit amputations are relatively simple and are often performed in the setting of trauma or infection. However, it is not uncommon for digit amputations to undergo secondary revision due to complications or patient dissatisfaction. Identifying factors associated with secondary revision may alter treatment strategy. We hypothesize that the secondary revision rate is affected by digit, initial level of amputation, and comorbidities.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients undergoing digit amputations in operating rooms at our institution from 2011 to 2017. Secondary revision amputations were defined as a separate return to the operating room following initial surgical amputation, excluding emergency room amputations. Patient demographics, comorbidities, level of amputation, and complications were collected.

RESULTS

In all, 278 patients were included with a total of 386 digit amputations and mean follow-up of 2.6 months. Three hundred twenty-six primary digit amputations were performed in 236 patients (group A). Sixty digits were secondarily revised in 42 patients (group B). The secondary revision rate was 17.8% for patients and 15.5% for digits. Patients with heart disease and diabetes mellitus were associated with secondary revision, with wound complications being the leading indication overall (73.8%). Medicare covered 52.4% of patients in group B versus 30.1% in group A (P = .005).

CONCLUSION

Risk factors for secondary revision include Medicare insurance, comorbidities, previous digit amputations, and initial amputation of either the index finger or the distal phalanx. These data may serve as a prediction model to aid surgical decision-making by identifying patients at risk of secondary revision amputation.

Prognostic Factors for Attempted Finger Replantation and Revascularisation after Traumatic Amputation: A 16-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of variant factors on finger replantation and revascularisation after traumatic amputation, which also included duty shift and the level of main operator. Methods: To determine the prognostic factors for the survival rate of finger replantation and revascularisation after traumatic finger amputation, we retrospectively reviewed the cases of finger replantation conducted from January 2001 to December 2017. Data collected consisted of the basic information of the patients, trauma-related factors, details of the operation and treatment outcomes. Descriptive statistics and data analysis was performed to assess outcomes. Results: In total, 150 patients with 198 replanted digits were enrolled in this study. The median age of the participants was 42.5 years, and 132 (88%) patients were men. The overall successful replantation rate was 86.4%. Seventy-three (36.9%) digits had Yamano type 1 injury; 110 (55.6%), Yamano type 2 injury and 15 (7.6%), Yamano type 3 injury. In total, 73 (36.9%) digits were completely amputated and 125 (63.1%) were not. Half of the replantation procedures (101, 51.0%) were performed during night shift (16:00-00:00), 69 (34.8%) during day shift (08:00-16:00) and 28 (14.1%) during graveyard shift (00:00-08:00). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the trauma mechanism and type of amputation (complete vs. incomplete) significantly affect the survival rate of replantation. Conclusions: The trauma mechanism and type of amputation (complete vs. incomplete) significantly affect the survival rate of replantation. Other factors including duty shift and the level of operator did not reach statistically significance. Further studies must be conducted to validate the results of the current study. Level of Evidence: Level III (Prognostic).

Matriderm dermal substitute in the treatment of post traumatic hand's fingertip tissue loss

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of fingers tissue loss is particularly challenging as it often necessitates advanced reconstructive techniques such as flaps or grafts, with esthetic and functional results that are not always as good as hoped for, with long healing times. Recently, along with tissue engineering development, numerous types of dermal substitute have been commercialized, with promising possibilities of treatment in finger tissue loss. In the author's unit, Matriderm^® is the most commonly used dermal substitute. As described by the manufacturer, this scaffold is designed to be covered with a split-thickness skin graft. In using a two-step procedure, the authors realized that in most cases of fingertips injuries, at three weeks follow-up, the wound appeared in an advanced state of healing, which permitted to avoid grafting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between October 2017 and October 2018, 27 fingers have been included in this study. Patients have been divided in two groups: those treated with Matriderm^® alone (15 fingers) and those who had a skin graft three weeks after the first surgery (12 fingers). At the 6-month follow-up, authors evaluated the esthetic results with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the functional results with Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (qDASH) score, and sensibility by the mean of two-point discrimination test (2-PD).

RESULTS

All outcomes were overlapping in patients treated with or without skin graft: mean VSS was 2.3, mean qDASH was 13.3, and mean 2-PD was 7.7 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained allow to consider Matriderm^® , used also without skin graft coverage, as a valid solution for treatment of fingertip tissue loss.

The Burden of Fingertip Trauma on the US Military

Fingertip injuries in the military are common and often hinder the fighting force and support personnel. Injuries range from small subungual hematomas to proximal finger amputations. Treatment modalities are dictated by injury patterns, anatomic considerations, and the need to return to duty. Nail bed injuries should be repaired when possible and exposed bone or tendon is treated with appropriate soft tissue coverage. If soft tissue coverage is unobtainable, revision amputation should be performed with attention given to maintaining as much finger length as possible. Antibiotics may not be required, however they are often utilized in the deployed setting.

Fingertip Injuries and Amputations: A Review of the Literature

The fingertip is defined as the part of the digit distal to the insertion of the extensor and flexor tendons on the distal phalanx. Devastating injuries to the hand occur every year that lead fingertip amputations in thousands of people. The highest incidence rates are usually seen in children less than five years old and in adults over the age of 65. There are various presentations of injury that may end up with post-traumatic fingertip amputation, including lacerations, avulsions, and crush injuries. The fingertip is vital for sensation, as it has a high concentration of sensory receptors, and hence the restoration of sensation is the most important focus of treatment. The three main goals of treatment are the restoration of sensation and durability in the tip and assuring proper bone support to allow for nail growth. Many complications can arise after fingertip amputation, including delayed wound healing, nail deformities with poor aesthetics, hypersensitivity, residual pain, cold intolerance, scar retraction, flexion contractures, chronic ulceration, infection, and flap loss. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the anatomy of the fingertip, the presentation of fingertip injuries and their management, and complications that might arise after surgery.

The fate of delayed revascularization for neglected vascular injury of incompletely amputated digits and hands

We report the fate of neglected vascular injury in cases of incomplete amputation of the digits and hand after delayed revascularization. Twelve patients underwent primary bone fixation, tendon or skin repair for hand injuries without vessel repair despite ischaemic findings. There was discoloration or necrosis of the fingertips during follow-up examination and the patients were referred to us for treatment. The mean warm ischaemic time was 53 hours (range 17-120). Delayed revascularization was performed with end-to-end anastomosis of the digital arteries in eight and vein graft in four cases. Digital nerves were repaired in four cases and flexor tendons in two cases. Of the 12 cases, eight cases showed complete survival. However, in four patients, complete necrosis of the fingers occurred, with one finger surviving partially. Revision amputation was performed in the four cases where necrosis occurred. We conclude that neglected vascular injury associated with incomplete amputation of digits and hands can be overcome in some patients by delayed revascularization even after prolonged warm ischaemic time. Level of evidence: IV.

Value of the Two-Point Discrimination Test: Evaluation of 238 Isolated Finger Nerve Injuries

Background: It may be difficult to diagnose a nerve injury on a finger or a hand under emergency settings. The goal of this study was to elaborate whether the clinical testing of two-point discrimination was a safe and reliable method in the diagnosis of acute finger nerve injuries. Methods: Through a retrospective assessment, patients' records were analyzed whether the result of the two-point discrimination test corresponded with the intraoperative findings of a damaged nerve. Patients with a prolonged or missing two-point discrimination, who had undergone surgery at our institution between the years 2008 and 2017, were included in the study. The control groups were identified in the same manner and as an additional group, patients with Dupuytren's contracture were included to serve as a healthy cohort regarding finger nerves. Results: A total of 249 patients with nerve lesion were enrolled in the study; apart from this, 25 patients with Dupuytren's contracture were included. The sensitivity of the two-point discrimination test was 99%, with a positive predictive value of 0.93 and with high inter-observer reliability. Conclusions: The two-point discrimination is a valid test to use in the routine examination of suspected nerve injuries on the hands and fingers; it is very reliable and safe for indicating surgical interventions.

Tamai Zone 1 Fingertip Amputation: Reconstruction Using a Digital Artery Flap Compared With Microsurgical Replantation

PURPOSE

The surgical treatment of fingertip amputations is controversial. This study was designed to compare the clinical results of 2 surgical procedures for fingertip amputation: reconstruction with a digital artery flap and microsurgical replantation.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2015, 37 patients with Tamai zone 1 fingertip amputation of the index or middle finger were treated by reconstruction with a digital artery flap (n = 23) or microsurgical replantation (n = 14). Data for these patients were evaluated retrospectively. Nerve suture was not conducted in microsurgical replantation because spontaneous sensory recovery is expected in zone 1 replantation. Primary outcomes included hand dexterity (Purdue Pegboard Test), and disability of the upper extremity (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score). Secondary outcomes included strength (key pinch), digital sensitivity (Semmes-Weinstein test), and finger mobility (% total active motion).

RESULTS

The average follow-up period was 34 months. There was no significant difference in the primary outcomes between the 2 groups. The reconstruction group showed significantly better results for the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the 2 procedures were comparable regarding postoperative activities of daily living and hand performance, but reconstruction using a digital artery flap gave better objective functional outcomes than microsurgical replantation.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Transplantation of a Free Vascularized Joint Flap from the Second Toe for the Acute Reconstruction of Defects in the Thumb and other Fingers

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate a novel surgical method for the acute reconstruction of defects in the thumb and other fingers by transplanting a free vascularized joint flap from the second toe and to determine its clinical curative effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A free vascularized joint flap from the second toe was transplanted to reconstruct a complete defect of the thumb and other fingers accompanied by the loss of the proximal finger in 10 patients. Of these patients, three had their thumbs reconstructed with a free vascularized joint flap from the second toe and with the proximal interphalangeal joint flap, one had a thumb reconstructed with a free vascularized joint flap from the second toe, and six had their finger defects reconstructed with the proximal interphalangeal joint flap. The toes of the metatarsophalangeal joint were amputated at the foot donor site. All patients underwent one-stage emergency surgery.

RESULTS

The composite tissue flaps, replanted thumbs, and fingers survived well in all 10 cases. Follow-up visits were conducted for 6-28 months, with an average of 9 months of follow-up. The transplanted bone joints healed over a period of 6-16 weeks. Bone nonunions and refractures did not occur, and the walking function of the foot donor site was not visibly affected.

CONCLUSION

A free vascularized joint flap from the second toe can be transplanted to repair defects in the thumb and other fingers. This technique can be applied to recover the appearance and function of fingers.

Incidence, Timing, and Risk Factors for Secondary Revision After Primary Revision of Traumatic Digit Amputations

PURPOSE

Primary revision amputation is the most common treatment method for traumatic digit amputations in the United States. Few studies have reported secondary revision rates after primary revision amputation. The primary aim of our study was to identify risk factors for secondary revision within 1 year of the index procedure. Secondarily, we describe the incidence and timing of complications requiring secondary revision.

METHODS

Our institution's emergency department (ED) database was reviewed for traumatic digit amputations over a 6-year period. Patients were reviewed for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, site of treatment (ED versus operating room), and complications requiring secondary revision. Conditional Cox Proportional Hazard regression was used to model hazard of revision within 1 year of index procedure relative to site of initial management, mechanism of injury, injury characteristics, and patient demographics.

RESULTS

Five hundred and thirty-seven patients with 677 digits were managed with primary revision amputation. Five hundred and eighty-six digits (86.6%) were revised in the ED, and 91 (13.4%) in the operating room. Ninety-one digits required secondary revision, including 83 within 1 year. No increased risk of secondary revision amputation within 1 year of the index procedure was observed for patients treated in the ED compared with the operating room. Relative to crush injuries, bite and sharp laceration amputations had 4.8 times and 2.6 times increased risk of secondary revision, respectively. The index finger had a 5.3-fold increased risk of revision with the thumb as the reference digit. Work-related injuries had a 1.9-fold increased risk of secondary revision compared with non-work-related injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

No evidence was found indicating that traumatic digit amputations primarily revised in the ED had an increased risk of secondary revision. Patients may be counseled on the risk of secondary procedures based on the mechanism of injury, injury characteristics and demographics, as well as the timing of complications.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

A case of dorsal oblique fingertip amputation

This study reports successful finger replantation in a patient with a dorsal oblique fingertip amputation. When repairing this unique type of injury, an evaluation of the remaining vessels is more useful for successful replantation than the anatomical zone classification. We propose that Kasai’s classification is appropriate for guiding treatment.