Critical analysis of upper limb replantations

Abstract

Objective: The authors analyze the follow-up of results in 62 adultpatients who had traumatic amputations in the upper limb andwho underwent successful replantation procedures from 1994 to2004. Methods: The levels of amputation were in fingers or thumbin 48, hand in 5, wrist in 4, forearm in 2 and arm in 3 patients. Allpatients were treated in a rehabilitation program of specializedhand therapy. A simplified questionnaire was used to evaluate thereturn to work activities using the operated limb, either in theformal or informal economy, and the patient’s satisfaction rateconcerning the surgical procedure. Results: It was noted that 85.5%of patients returned to some work activity using the operated limband 96.8% of patients are satisfied with the results. Conclusions:Patients submitted to successful replantation present a high rateof satisfaction and return to work activities.

Keywords

• Prostheses and implants
• Upper limb/injuries
• Employment
• supported/statistics & numerical data
• Treatment outcome