Lengthening of replanted or revascularized lower limbs: is length discrepancy a contraindication for limb salvage?

What to do with non-replanted hands?

We describe a method for the preparation of amputated limbs to obtain a specimen for anatomical study of the arteries and the skeleton. The procedure is particularly applicable to hands, and prevents the destruction of a perfect hand that cannot be replanted.

Long-term review of five leg replantations: emergency strategy and examples of lengthening of the leg on nerve regeneration

The success rate for leg replantation has improved with the development of shortening-lengthening protocols. We checked whether this success was maintained long term in five cases of emergency reimplantation. The significant initial shortening of 93 mm, on average, enabled direct internal osteosynthesis, secondary lengthening was initiated swiftly, in the proximal metaphyseal area, and average lengthening was 85 mm. Consolidation was achieved in all cases within normal time periods, with an average inequality in residual length of 8mm. The speed of nerve regeneration was on average 1.926 mm/day, twice faster than usual after simple nerve suturing. At average follow-up of more than 11 years, all patients were walking. We conclude that nerve lengthening stimulates nerve regeneration, and that the results of this protocol, involving extensive initial debridement compensated by secondary lengthening, have enabled the limitations on unilateral leg replantation to be reduced.

[Long-term follow-up after leg replantation]

Leg replantation is generally considered to yield good results, particularly since the widespread use of progressive lengthening procedures. This optimism must be weighted against the very long and difficult operative program, the social and occupational implications, and the functional outcome of the replanted limb. We report a case of below knee leg replantation in a young patient whose operative program lasted 29 months. Occupational activities were interrupted for three years. The clinical result was satisfactory but with 14 degrees residual valgus suggesting a potential risk of osteoarthritis and difficult therapeutic decisions. The alternatives to replantation are controversial. Leg transplantation is not a valid option in our opinion. Amputation with orthesis should be considered more often because complications are rare and recovery much shorter. Indications for leg replantation should be considered with prudence.