Major upper extremity replantations

The usual mechanism of a major amputation creates a mutilating injury. Although survival rate is high, the functional results are guarded [1, 2]. The aim of this study is to review our experience with major upper extremity replantations performed between the years 1987-2007 with respect to the type of amputation as proposed by Chuang et al. [3]. 23 upper extremities were replanted in 22 patients (7 arms and 16 proximal forearms and elbows). All but one replanted parts survived. Out of 6 patients with arm replants 4 gained useful extremities and two had poor result after more than 2 years of rehabilitation and 17 additional surgical procedures. Out of 16 replanted forearms, after more than 2 years of rehabilitation period and 50 operations, useful extremity was achieved in 11 and poor result in 5. The main factor influencing functional result was the type of amputation according to Chuang et al. [3].