Secondary Reconstructive Surgery following Major Upper Extremity Replantation:

Simultaneous or Delayed Free Tissue Transfer in Combination with Replantation Surgery

In hand and upper extremity replantation surgery, simultaneous free flap reconstruction restores the physiologic circulation to the amputated part, ensuring its survival, and promotes wound healing through anatomic restoration. Especially in digit replantation, an arterialized venous flap serves to reconstruct both vessel and soft tissue defects simultaneously. Delayed free flap reconstruction aims to enhance both functional improvement and cosmetic acceptance in a successfully replanted part using flaps that include functioning muscle, bone, joint, nerve, and soft tissue.

Distribution of pathogens and risk factors for post-replantation wound infection in patients with traumatic major limb mutilation

PURPOSE

Even though replantation of limb mutilation is increasing, postoperative wound infection can result in increasing the financial and psychological burden of patients. Here, we sought to explore the distribution of pathogens and identify risk factors for postoperative wound infection to help early identification and managements of high-risk patients.

METHODS

Adult inpatients with severed traumatic major limb mutilation who underwent replantation from Suzhou Ruixing Medical Group between November 09, 2014, and September 6, 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Demographic, and clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Data were used to analyze risk factors for postoperative wound infection.

RESULTS

Among the 249 patients, 185 (74.3%) were males, the median age was 47.0 years old. Postoperative wound infection in 74 (29.7%) patients, of whom 51 (20.5%) had infection with multi-drug resistant bacteria. Ischemia time (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13-1.53, P = 0.001), wound contamination (OR 6.01, 95% CI 2.38-15.19, P <0.001), and stress hyperglycemia (OR 23.37, 95% CI 2.30-236.93, P = 0.008) were independent risk factors, while the albumin level after surgery (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99, P = 0.031) was significant associated with the decrease of postoperative wound infection. Ischemia time (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05-1.40, P = 0.010), wound contamination (OR 8.63, 95% CI 2.91-25.57, P <0.001), and MESS (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02-1.71, P = 0.037 were independent risk factors for multi-drug resistant bacteria infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-replantation wound infection was common in patients with severe traumatic major limb mutilation, and most were multi-drug resistant bacteria. Ischemia time and wound contamination were associated with the increase of postoperative wound infection, including caused by multi-drug resistant. Positive correction of hypoproteinemia and control of stress hyperglycemia may be beneficial.

Utility of severity scoring systems for mangled upper limb salvage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of scoring systems is to aid in the decision-making process of whether to salvage or amputate mangled extremities, but their efficacy for upper limbs is uncertain. In this study, we examined the predictive potential of scoring systems for upper limb salvage.

METHODS

Two investigators undertook a systematic search of 3 leading databases for English or Japanese literature from 1985, when the first scoring system to evaluate mangled extremities was proposed, until January 2022. To be eligible, studies must have had upper extremity limb salvage or amputation as an outcome, and identified the scoring system used and treatment outcome in individual cases.

RESULTS

Ten studies (N = 338) of the Mangled Extremity Scoring System (MESS) were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.95 (95 % CI = 0.69-0.99) and 0.81 (0.65-0.91), respectively. The area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.95 (0.93-0.97). A subgroup analysis showed lower specificity in isolated vascular injuries. Scoring systems other than MESS were ineligible for the quantitative synthesis because none were examined in an adequate number of publications.

CONCLUSION

The pooled sensitivity and specificity for MESS were comparable to those reported for the lower extremities. The specificity suggests that limb salvage was achieved in at least 20 % of the patients whose MESS was above the threshold beyond which amputation is indicated. Given the likelihood of upper extremity functional limitations following amputation and the drawbacks of prostheses, we conclude that current scoring systems poorly predict salvageability of a mangled upper extremity and should not be used to justify amputation.

How can we reduce the ischemic time for forearm replantation? Tips to simplify the bone fixation

PURPOSE

Ischemic time is a key factor in satisfactory functional results after forearm replantation. In this study, we provide a detailed description of our surgical technique, the temporary screw plate fixation technique, which aims to reduce ischemic time.

METHODS

From June 2007 to June 2017, we performed a retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent forearm replantation. Eighteen cases involved male patients, and their mean age was 46 years. The mechanism of injury was roller injuries in 5 cases, power saw injuries in 3 cases, traffic accident in 7 cases, rope injuries in 2 cases, machinery injuries in 2 cases, and crushing injuries by rebar beam in 1 case.

RESULTS

A total of 20 replantation patients survived. According to injury level, there were 3 cases of the proximal type, 11 cases of the middle type, and 6 cases of the distal type. The average time to revascularization was 331 min. The total operation time was, on average, 5.73 h. In the rest of the 18 cases, the temporary screw plate fixation technique was performed, and the average time required for bone shortening and plate fixation was 38.3 min.

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce ischemic time, we need a plan that progressively reduces time at each stage. Among our tips, temporary screw plate fixation can reduce the initial bone surgical operation to < 40 min, does not have many complications, and can be used as definitive surgery. This method for bone fixation should be considered as a strategy to actively reduce operation time during forearm replantation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective study, Level III.

Practical Tips to Improve Efficiency and Success in Upper Limb Replantation

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After reading this article, participant should be able to: 1. Describe the technique of replantation for very distal amputation of the digit and salvage procedures for venous drainage. 2. Perform single-digit replantation after viewing the videos. 3. Recognize appropriate cases for joint salvage techniques in periarticular amputation at each joint of the digit and wrist. 4. Outline the methods of flexor and extensor tendon reconstruction in an avulsed amputation of the digit or thumb. 5. Understand the order of digital replantation and transpositional replantation for a restoration of pinch or grip in multiple-digit amputation.

SUMMARY

This article provides practical tips and caveats for the latest replantation surgical techniques for digit, hand, and upper extremity amputation. Four videos, clinical photographs, and drawings highlight important points of operative technique and outcomes of replantation.

Long-Term Outcomes of Arm Replantation

BACKGROUND

Advances in microsurgery have improved the survival rate of arm replantation. However, the functional outcome of the replanted arms remains unpredictable. The authors performed a systematic review to evaluate the long-term outcome of arm replantation and the secondary reconstructive procedures after replantation.

METHODS

All available English literature in the PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases was searched for articles reporting functional outcome of successful arm replantation with follow-up period more than 1 yr. Clinical data were extracted including study characteristics, patient demographic information, functional outcome, and the numbers, types, and timing of secondary surgery. Among these, factors identified to influence overall outcome were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies representing 79 arm replantations met the inclusion criteria. A total of 111 secondary procedures were recorded in 23 studies. The average number of secondary surgical procedures was 2.6 per patient. The most common procedures were nerve repair (23.4%), followed by functioning muscle transfer (19.8%), tendon transfer (17.1%), wound coverage (11.7%), contracture release (10.8%), bone repair (9.9%), arthrodesis (5.4%), and others (1.8%). Procedures involving wound coverage and nerve repair were mainly conducted in the early stage within 4 mos after replantation, whereas functioning muscle transfer, tendon transfer, and arthrodesis were mostly performed after 1 yr postoperatively. The satisfied (Chen I and II) functional outcome was achieved in 49.4% patients. The level of amputation and the type of injury have significant impact on final outcomes, whereas patients' age and timing of nerve repair do not. Patients with amputation at the distal third of the arms had a better outcome than those at the proximal and middle third of the arms (P < 0.05), and patients injured by sharp-cut recovered better than those by crush and avulsion (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal outcomes could be achieved in nearly half of patients with arm replantation, although multiple secondary surgical interventions and long periods of recovery are often required.

Self-amputation of the Upper Extremity: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Indications for upper-extremity replantation include wrist-level and wrist-proximal amputations, due to the devastating loss of function incurred from these severe injuries. Decisions regarding replantation must be made expeditiously at these proximal levels in an effort to minimize ischemia time. This decision-making process becomes more complicated when a patient presents following intentional self-amputation of an extremity, especially in the setting of an associated mood disorder, psychiatric illness, and/or frank psychosis. A case report is presented involving a 28-year-old right-hand dominant male with untreated depression and recent suicidal ideation who sustained a complete left forearm amputation (distal-third forearm-level) from a self-inflicted circular saw injury. We conducted a PubMed literature search of other reported cases of intentional self-amputations of the hand and upper extremity. The patient underwent replantation of the left upper extremity. At six years postoperatively, the patient was extremely satisfied with the appearance and function of the replanted extremity. Dash score was 5.8 with a Chen Grade 1 (excellent) functional recovery. A literature search identified 16 cases of self-inflicted upper extremity amputation. One patient died at the scene. 87% (13/15) of patients presenting to the hospital were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (depression n = 6, bipolar n = 2, and schizophrenia n = 5). 67% (10/15) of these patients were also diagnosed with psychosis. Ten patients underwent replantation (nine at hand/wrist level and one at forearm level), all of which were viable postoperatively. Detailed functional outcome data were not reported in any of the cases. Four patients (40%) were pleased or satisfied with the outcome, but subjective outcomes were not reported for the other six patients. Intentional self-amputation of the hand/upper extremity is an extreme and uncommon act, often presenting with complex psychiatric issues. Although replantation is technically feasible in this patient population, long-term subjective and objective functional outcomes are largely unknown. Future study of this unique group of patients is needed to better assess patient-reported outcomes and functional outcomes of replantation, which could help guide decision making at the time of initial injury. 

Functional Outcomes of Secondary Procedures in Upper Extremity Replantation and Revascularization

Introduction

Traumatic amputation of the upper limb has significant associated morbidities and disabilities. After successful replantation surgery, the micro-surgeons’ tasks are far from over. The replanted and revascularized segments have numerous functional restrictions and need various corrective secondary procedures. The aim of our study was to compare the functional results after secondary procedures by administering the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire to patients who had successful upper limb replantation and revascularization.

Materials and methods

This prospective observational study involved 40 patients who had a partial or complete amputation of the upper limb and underwent secondary procedures to correct function after successful replantation and revascularization surgery. The patients’ functional outcomes after various secondary procedures were recorded using the QuickDASH questionnaire.

Results

The mean QuickDASH score for thumb injuries was 42.3 pre-surgery but improved to 29.5 after secondary procedures, which was statistically significant (CI 11.12-14.87, p<0.01). The mean difference in the QuickDASH scores for finger injuries was also statistically significant: 45.5 preoperation and 33.7 postoperation (CI 9.89-13.70, p<0.01). For wrist injuries, the mean QuickDASH score was 52.8 presurgery and was 46.3 postoperatively (CI 1.81-6.58, p=0.0023). The QuickDASH scores of the patients with arm and forearm injuries showed no statistically significant improvement, with a preoperation score of 58.3 declining to 55.2 (p=0.98). The overall replantation and revascularization scores were 49.725 and 41.175 pre and postoperation, respectively (CI 8.35-8.75, p<0.01).

Conclusion

The study finds that the level and mechanism of injury are important predictors of the functional outcomes of the replantation and revascularization of amputated upper-limb appendages. Most replanted and revascularized upper limbs have numerous functional limitations, and achieving good functional results requires one or more secondary procedures, whose type depends on various factors such as the injury type and mechanism. The QuickDASH results for functional outcomes before and after secondary procedures indicate that it is an easy-to-use, reliable, and effective measure of functional outcomes.

Long-term outcome following upper extremity replantation after major traumatic amputation

Background

Amputations in general and amputations of upper extremities, in particular, have a major impact on patients’ lives. There are only a few long-term follow-up reports of patients after macro-replantation. We present our findings in contrast with the existing literature.

Methods

Sixteen patients with traumatic macro-amputation of an upper extremity were eligible for inclusion in this study. Altogether, the patients underwent replantation in 3 institutions between 1983 and 2011.

Results

Twelve male and four female patients with an average age at injury of 40.6 years (range, 14–61 years) were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 13.5 years (range, 4.4–32.6 years; SD, 5.7 years). The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome measure was 41 (range, 5.2–94.8; SD, 18.2), functional independence measurement (FIM) was 125 (range, 120–126; SD, 1.8). Chen I representing very good function was accounted in six, Chen II representing good function in eight, Chen III (fair) in one and Chen IV (bad function) in one patient.

Conclusions

We found that while the majority of the included patients exhibited good or very good function of the extremity, none of the replanted appendages regained normal levels of functionality. In addition, all participants were very satisfied with their outcomes. Positive long-term results with high rates of subjective satisfaction are possible after replantation of upper extremities.

Hand Amputations at the Radiocarpal Level With Proximal Neuromuscular Avulsion

PURPOSE

To report a series of 6 radiocarpal avulsion amputations in 5 patients.

METHOD

We replanted 6 radiocarpal amputations in 5 patients with proximal musculotendinous and nerve avulsion between 2005 and 2013 and reviewed them retrospectively. All 5 patients were men, age range from 21 to 32 years. Functional results were evaluated through total active motion (TAM) of the fingers, 2-point discrimination, monofilament test, grip strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Follow-up was 4 to 10 years.

RESULTS

All replanted parts survived without systemic complications. No infections or major wound complications occurred despite the preservation of presumably avascular tendons. The functional results of the right side in patient 1 who suffered bilateral amputations, were very modest, with only 360° of TAM (about 30% of the TAM of a normal hand) and weak grip after 5 secondary surgical procedures including 2 free functional gracilis transfers. This was the only hand in which the tendons were not reinserted primarily. The other hands achieved TAM between 590 and 820°, which corresponds roughly to 50% to 70% of the normal TAM of a healthy hand, and mean of 10-kg grip force.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiocarpal amputation with proximal musculotendinous avulsion is an infrequent pattern of injury in which replantation with tendon reinsertion can yield functional results comparable with those reported for sharp wrist-level amputations.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Forequarter Replantation and the Lessons Learnt

The literature on major upper limb replantation, especially those proximal to the elbow, is inadequate. An 18-year-old man presented to us with a left forequarter amputation. A replantation was attempted with a view to salvaging function and avoiding prosthesis. The procedure was technically challenging with a number of issues not highlighted in previous reports, particularly bony stabilization. The procedure was initially successful, with good perfusion. However, with time, the limb showed sepsis and had to be abandoned. We report this case to add to the literature on replantation at the shoulder level in the hope that this procedure may be reported successfully in the future.