Twenty four thumb replantations

Of 40 patients with amputated thumbs referred for replantation to the Manchester Microsurgical Unit over five and a half years, 10 (25%) were not considered to be feasible replants, 6(15%) were abandoned at the primary operation, and 24 were replanted. Mode of selection of patients for replantation and operative methods are considered. The 14 thumb replants that survived were studied in detail and functional results are presented. Only one patient had a result that prevented normal activities, the remainder having returned to former occupations.