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Prognostic Factors for Attempted Finger Replantation and Revascularisation after Traumatic Amputation: A 16-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Retrospective study published in J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol (2023)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportClinical LiteratureLu et al. · The journal of hand surgery Asian-Pacific volume, 2023

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of variant factors on finger replantation and revascularisation after traumatic amputation, which also included duty shift and the level of main operator. Methods: To determine the prognostic factors for the survival rate of finger replantation and revascularisation after traumatic finger amputation, we retrospectively reviewed the cases of finger replantation conducted from January 2001 to December 2017. Data collected consisted of the basic information of the patients, trauma-related factors, details of the operation and treatment outcomes. Descriptive statistics and data analysis was performed to assess outcomes. Results: In total, 150 patients with 198 replanted digits were enrolled in this study. The median age of the participants was 42.5 years, and 132 (88%) patients were men. The overall successful replantation rate was 86.4%. Seventy-three (36.9%) digits had Yamano type 1 injury; 110 (55.6%), Yamano type 2 injury and 15 (7.6%), Yamano type 3 injury. In total, 73 (36.9%) digits were completely amputated and 125 (63.1%) were not. Half of the replantation procedures (101, 51.0%) were performed during night shift (16:00-00:00), 69 (34.8%) during day shift (08:00-16:00) and 28 (14.1%) during graveyard shift (00:00-08:00). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the trauma mechanism and type of amputation (complete vs. incomplete) significantly affect the survival rate of replantation. Conclusions: The trauma mechanism and type of amputation (complete vs. incomplete) significantly affect the survival rate of replantation. Other factors including duty shift and the level of operator did not reach statistically significance. Further studies must be conducted to validate the results of the current study. Level of Evidence: Level III (Prognostic).

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsMaleHumansAdultFemaleRetrospective StudiesPrognosisAmputation, TraumaticReplantationFinger InjuriesAmputation, Surgical

Summary

Retrospective review of 150 patients (198 digits) found an overall finger replantation success rate of 86.4%, with trauma mechanism and completeness of amputation significantly affecting survival, while duty shift and operator level did not.

Context

This retrospective study reviewed 150 patients (198 digits) who underwent finger replantation or revascularization over a 17-year period, finding an overall success rate of 86.4% and identifying trauma mechanism and completeness of amputation as significant prognostic factors, while duty shift and operator level were not significant. Digital replantation is a context in which medicinal leech therapy may be used adjunctively for venous congestion, but the abstract does not mention leeches or hirudotherapy. The study focuses on surgical and injury-related prognostic factors.

Citation

Reference (Vancouver style)

Lu YM, Lin YT, Tsai CH, Pan CH, Chen HH, Lee MC. Prognostic Factors for Attempted Finger Replantation and Revascularisation after Traumatic Amputation: A 16-Year Retrospective Cohort Study. J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2023;28(2):149-155. doi:10.1142/S242483552350025X. PMID: 37120311

Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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