[Macroreimplantation of the upper limb. Results in 24 cases]

The authors present a retrospective study of 24 cases of macroreimplantations of the upper limb operated between 1985 and 1995. The upper limb survival rate was 54%. The prognosis was better for sections distal to the middle third of the forearm. The cause of early failure was arterial thrombosis and that of later failures was muscle necrosis, responsible for infections and venous thromboses. The functional results are analysed as a function of the type of amputation. Sections outside of muscle zones or with nervous continuity have a more favourable prognosis. 33% of reimplantations obtained a good or excellent result according to Chen's criteria. Poor functional results are nevertheless associated with a number of positive points: protection sensitivity, useful elbow, psychological satisfaction of limb preservation.