[The problems in replantation of limbs amputated through the arm region]

The problems in replantation of arms were analysed on the ground of nine such replantations performed in Center of Replantations of Limbs in Trzebnica in the same number of patients (7 men, 2 children, 1 woman) during the seven year period 1993-2000. The range of age of the patients was from 12 to 62 years (35.5 on average). Among the problems discussed were such as qualification for the operation, operative technique (limb shortening, perfusion of vessels, half-open anastomosis of veins, neurotisation of remaining nerves) evaluation scale. Eight of the amputations were the results of crush-avulsion mechanism, one was guillotine-type. The patients required 15 secondary operations; all of them were able to perform an arm abduction and active flexion of the elbow joint. They all had at least protective sensibility on the palm. The results were rated (acc. to Chen-Yu scale) III(o)--four patients, IV(o)--four patients (one patient did not appear for control check-up). Despite of such a poor evaluation, all of the patients are satisfied with the operation.