TEMPORARY ECTOPIC IMPLANTATION FOR SALVAGE OF AMPUTATED DIGITS

Temporary ectopic implantation for salvage of amputated parts is a fas cinating idea. The first successful case, to our knowledge, of preserv ing digits by means of temporary ectopic implantation to the contralat eral forearm is presented and this treatment concept is discussed. The indication for temporary ectopic implantation is an amputation injury with associated extensive soft tissue damage in which immediate repla ntation with either adequate shortening or preservation of length does not seem feasible, although the amputated part itself is uninjured an d should therefore be salvaged. The groin, axilla and lower arm are co mpared as possible recipient sites for ectopic implantation. Early rep lantation of the ectopic implanted parts will provide superior functio nal results although replantation may be technically more demanding. T he function of a replanted extremity after ectopic implantation will p robably always be inferior to a comparable, immediately replanted extr emity.