[Emergency reimplantation of the tongue after complete traumatic amputation]

Complete traumatic amputation of the tongue is very exceptional, the intra-oral position generally protecting the tongue. Most reported cases of trauma have involved partial section with satisfactory results after simple suture. Complete amputation of a portion of the tongue occurred in a 12-year-old boy during a fight. The fragment of the tongue was brought to the emergency unit. It was placed in heparinated saline solution and replanted successfully three hours after the trauma. Plastic surgery of the oral cavity was also performed to repair laceration injuries. The postoperative period was uneventful and the tongue regained vitality and normal motion. There was just a slight retraction. Replantation of the tongue after complete section may not be successful but should be attempted when possible.