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A Comparison of Outcomes between Finger and Pulp Replantation/Revascularization in a Single Center
Kwaku Duah-Asante1, Murtaza Kadhum2, Ankur Khajuria1,2
1Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|February 3, 2023
Summary
Supermicrosurgery enables pulp replantation, showing higher viability than proximal digit replantation. This technique is a valuable option for fingertip injuries when supermicrosurgery expertise is available.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Supermicrosurgery has advanced the replantation and revascularization of digits, including the pulp.
- Comparison between pulp and more proximal digit replantation outcomes is crucial for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the outcomes of pulp replantation/revascularization with proximal digit replantation/revascularization.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of supermicrosurgery in pulp replantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case study of 21 patients undergoing finger or pulp replantation/revascularization over 5 years.
- Comparison of demographic data, ischemic times, and injury-replant intervals between pulp and digit replant groups.
- Analysis of postoperative outcomes including hospital stay, wound healing, viability, and functional results.
Main Results:
- Pulp replantation patients were younger (26.4 years) than digit replantation patients (44.8 years).
- Mean ischemia time was shorter for pulp replants (32.3 min) compared to digit replants (67 min).
- Pulp replantation demonstrated higher postoperative viability (90%) than digit replantation (72%).
Conclusions:
- Pulp replantation/revascularization achieved superior postoperative viability compared to proximal digit replantation.
- Supermicrosurgery expertise makes pulp replantation a viable and recommended option for fingertip injuries.
