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Late arterial thrombosis in a replanted thumb: a case report
P A Griffin1, E Tan, J Katsaros
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia.
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
|January 1, 1989
Summary
A thumb replantation patient experienced arterial occlusion nine years post-surgery due to smoking and trauma. Successful revascularization was achieved by removing a thrombosed arterial vein graft segment.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Vascular surgery
- Hand surgery
Background:
- Thumb replantation is a complex procedure aimed at restoring function.
- Long-term complications can arise years after initial surgery.
- Vascular compromise remains a significant risk in replanted digits.
Observation:
- A patient presented with arterial occlusion nine years after thumb replantation.
- The occlusion involved the arterial vein graft.
- Contributing factors included patient's smoking history and repeated blunt trauma to the first web space.
Findings:
- Excision of the thrombosed arterial vein graft segment was performed.
- Successful revascularization of the thumb was achieved post-excision.
- This highlights the potential for late-onset vascular issues in replanted digits.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain long-term surveillance for vascular complications in replanted thumbs.
- Patient education regarding risk factors like smoking is crucial for preventing late graft failure.
- Understanding late complications informs surgical planning and patient selection for replantation procedures.