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Lower extremity replantation-two and a half-year follow-up
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|April 1, 1982
Summary
Successful above-knee lower extremity replantation in a child led to nerve regeneration and full ambulation. This case advocates for replantation in young patients with short ischemia times for optimal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Pediatric Traumatology
Background:
- Lower extremity replantation is a complex procedure with variable outcomes, particularly in pediatric cases.
- Successful limb replantation requires careful patient selection and optimal surgical technique.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old girl underwent successful above-knee replantation of her lower extremity.
- The patient was monitored for two and a half years post-surgery.
Findings:
- The patient demonstrated significant nerve regeneration and regained protective sensation in her foot.
- She achieved full ambulation, utilizing an ankle-stabilizing brace and a shoe lift to manage a residual leg length discrepancy of 5.5 cm.
- Radiographic scans confirmed growth of the replanted extremity, reducing the initial 10 cm length difference.
Implications:
- This case supports lower extremity replantation in children and young adults, where nerve regeneration potential is higher.
- Achieving successful outcomes hinges on minimizing ischemia time, ideally below seven hours.
- Replantation offers a viable option for restoring function and improving quality of life in pediatric limb trauma.