Transpositional replantation of digits - Case reports

Heterotopic or transpositional replantation of digits is technically feasib le with results similar to those of conventional replantation procedures. O ccasionally in multiple digital amputations,not all the digits may be repla nted in their correct place as a result of complex injuries proximal to the amputation zone or severe damage to important fingers. In these circumstan ces the amputated digits that are in the best condition as regards undamage d tissue are used for replantation. The primary priority is an optimal func tional outcome and the secondary priority the cosmetic outcome. Amputated l ong digits will always be used to substitute for a non-replantable thumb ra ther than to replace a long finger. We present 13 cases of successful trans positional digit or joint replantations in traumatic amputations of more th an one digit.