[Replantation and reconstruction vs terminalization in the treatment of amputation of the digits]

This study records the outcomes of the treatment of 21 patients, 19 men and two women, who sustained an amputation of the total of 35 digits (27 fingers and eight thumbs). Eleven patients received replantation or reconstruction maintaining the length of the digit, whereas ten had their digits terminalized.

The results were assessed at a mean of 5 years after injury. Patients with finger stumps had stronger grip than those with replanted digits (72% vs 48% of strength of the healthy hand). Hand function as assessed by quickDASH score (29 vs 33), quality of life as assessed by SF-36 score (63 vs 67) and number of patients experiencing cold sensitivity (7 vs 7) were similar in both groups. Patients after terminalization returned to work significantly earlier than those after replantation or reconstruction (6 vs 12 months).

These results show that - considering function of the hand - replantation or advanced reconstruction offers the patient less benefit than simple terminalization.