Replantation of a completely detached degloved thumb

Injuries resulting in the degloving of digits, particularly the thumb, offer the reconstructive surgeon a significant challenge, as the restoration of both digital function and appearance is often difficult. This paper is a case report describing the successful microvascular replantation of a completely degloved thumb, the result of an avulsion injury caused by a drill. Aspects of the preoperative assessment, the operative procedure and the appropriate sequence of artery and vein repair are discussed.