Replantation of severed limbs--clinical analysis of 91 cases

From 1964 to 1980, 91 replantations of severed limbs were performed at Peking Ji Shui Tan Hospital, The People's Republic of China. Seventy of these replantations were successful, and 21 were failures, for a success rate of 77%. The highest success rate was in replantations at the wrist level, with the lowest success rate occurring for replantations at the proximal forearm. In clean-cut injuries, successful reattachment was achieved in 88%. Injuries resulting in twisting and tearing trauma inflicted by a revolving machine rendered the poorest outcome. No significant difference existed between the viability rates of replantations of complete or nearly complete severance. Causes of injury and failed replantations varied.