Salvage of impending replant failure by temporary ectopic replantation: a case report

Temporary ectopic replantation of amputated parts has been reported previously as an alternative to orthotopic replantation in difficult cases. We report a case in which the left arm initially was replanted orthotopically with subsequent development of extensive infection. The impending vascular failure of the replanted arm was salvaged by reamputation and temporary ectopic transfer of the arm to the groin region. Nine days later the arm was transferred back to the clean humeral stump. The functional result was similar to that of a standard transhumeral replantation, with 30 degrees to 120 degrees of active range of elbow motion, basic grip pattern, and S3 sensibility.