DISTAL PHALANX REPLANTATION

Microsurgical replantation has been attempted in the distal phalanx of the digits. Twenty-three complete, single digit amputations are revie wed. The patients' ages ranged from 9 months to 48 years. Viability wa s 78%. Sensory recovery averaged 7 mm static two-point discrimination. Range of motion in the distal interphalangeal joint of the finger and the interphalangeal joint of the thumb averaged 64 and 51 degrees, re spectively. Eight of the 17 successfully replanted digits had mild to moderate atrophy. Eighty-two percent of patients were able to use the replanted digit successfully in their daily work. We feel that distal digital replantation is: rewarding. In successful cases, it always pre serves acceptable function and good appearance at a price of an averag e of 2.3 months off work. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.