Microsurgical Replantation of a Small Segment of Thumb Volar Skin

Replantation of amputated finger composite tissues with microvascular anastomosis

Replantation of the partial amputated finger or the composite tissue in finger would achieve better functional and esthetic results than any reconstructive procedure. In this article, we report the results of microsurgical partial finger or composite tissue replantation at different anatomic sites of 24 fingers in 21 patients. Microvascular anastomosis was performed in all cases of replantation. For the digital palmar and lateral composite tissue defects, the proper palmar digital artery and volar or dorsal subcutaneous veins were repaired by end-to-end anastomoses. For the digital dorsal defects, the blood supply was reestablished by arterialization of a dorsal central vein in the replanted part with one of the proper palmar digital arteries. The average follow-up period was 12.3 months. Twenty-two of 24 fingers survived completely with good functional and esthetic results. Two replantations failed because of vascular complications. In conclusion, if the vascular vessels in amputations of partial finger and composite tissue of finger are suitable for anastomosis, a successful replantation of these parts with excellent functional and esthetic recovery can be achieved.