[Digital replantation in children]

Digital amputations in children are usually caused by crush or avulsion injuries (door hinge, bicycle chain, etc.). The preponderance of this mechanism of injury means a survival rate generally lower than in adults. However, finger amputation in children is an absolute indication for replantation because the sensory and functional results are significantly higher. Technically, there is little difference, apart from the difficulty of the size of the structure and the presence of growth plates. Kirschner wires are the most suitable fixation method but two subcutaneous needles are ideally used in distal amputations. The dressing and postoperative immobilization in a circular plaster above the elbow is kept for 1 month. Secondary procedures are rare, later than in adults and give poorer results because of the difficulty of understanding the active mobilization exercises. The postoperative analgesia is fundamental following replantation to avoid the risk of arterial spasm, and after a secondary procedure to allow proper rehabilitation.