Functional outcomes of secondary procedures in upper extremity replantation and revascularization
Prospective observational study published in Cureus (2019)
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic amputation of the upper limb has significant associated morbidities and disabilities. After successful replantation surgery, the micro-surgeons' tasks are far from over. The replanted and revascularized segments have numerous functional restrictions and need various corrective secondary procedures. The aim of our study was to compare the functional results after secondary procedures by administering the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire to patients who had successful upper limb replantation and revascularization. Materials and methods This prospective observational study involved 40 patients who had a partial or complete amputation of the upper limb and underwent secondary procedures to correct function after successful replantation and revascularization surgery. The patients' functional outcomes after various secondary procedures were recorded using the QuickDASH questionnaire. Results The mean QuickDASH score for thumb injuries was 42.3 pre-surgery but improved to 29.5 after secondary procedures, which was statistically significant (CI 11.12-14.87, p<0.01). The mean difference in the QuickDASH scores for finger injuries was also statistically significant: 45.5 preoperation and 33.7 postoperation (CI 9.89-13.70, p<0.01). For wrist injuries, the mean QuickDASH score was 52.8 presurgery and was 46.3 postoperatively (CI 1.81-6.58, p=0.0023). The QuickDASH scores of the patients with arm and forearm injuries showed no statistically significant improvement, with a preoperation score of 58.3 declining to 55.2 (p=0.98). The overall replantation and revascularization scores were 49.725 and 41.175 pre and postoperation, respectively (CI 8.35-8.75, p<0.01). Conclusion The study finds that the level and mechanism of injury are important predictors of the functional outcomes of the replantation and revascularization of amputated upper-limb appendages. Most replanted and revascularized upper limbs have numerous functional limitations, and achieving good functional results requires one or more secondary procedures, whose type depends on various factors such as the injury type and mechanism. The QuickDASH results for functional outcomes before and after secondary procedures indicate that it is an easy-to-use, reliable, and effective measure of functional outcomes.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Prospective observational study of 40 upper-limb replantation/revascularization patients showing significant QuickDASH improvement after secondary procedures for thumb (42.3->29.5), finger (45.5->33.7), wrist (52.8->46.3) injuries.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This prospective observational study (40 patients) used the QuickDASH questionnaire to evaluate functional outcomes before and after secondary corrective procedures following successful upper extremity replantation or revascularization. Statistically significant improvements were found for thumb, finger, and wrist injuries, but not for arm/forearm injuries. The relevance to ASH's domain is indirect: this study addresses post-replantation functional rehabilitation in the same surgical population where medicinal leeches may be used perioperatively for venous congestion, but leeches are not mentioned. No data on hirudotherapy, the leech secretome, or venous-congestion management are provided. The study is limited to secondary-procedure outcomes and offers no insight into leech-related variables.
Citation
Functional outcomes of secondary procedures in upper extremity replantation and revascularization.
Khan N et al. · Cureus, 2019
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