Digital replantation in children: a long-term follow-up study

Twenty-six children aged from 14 months to 12 years had a total of 44 amputated digits replanted in our hospital between May 1979 and May 1985. The length of follow-up was from 9 to 15 years (average, 11 years). Among the 43 surviving digits, the mean total active motion of the thumb and fingers was 130 degrees and 151 degrees, respectively. Sensibility recovery was excellent, with normal 2-point discrimination in 88%. A mean of 19 of 20 preselected activities of daily living could be accomplished. Relative grip strength was 79% that of the normal side and the relative pinch strength was 88%. Cold intolerance was slight or moderate in 40% of patients, and slight atrophy was present in 12 digits. Angulatory deformity or malalignment were remodeled. The circulatory status of the replanted fingers was excellent in 88% of digits and good in 12%. Bone growth had a mean relative length of 93% of normal in digits without joint involvement and 88% in those with joint involvement. Assessed with Nakamura Tamai criteria, the results were excellent in 25 cases (96%) and good in 1. All patients and their parents were satisfied with the results of the digital replantation.