Long-term clinical results of 33 thumb replantations
Research article published in Injury (2020)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Thumb replantation following complete amputation is a relatively frequent and well-established surgical procedure. In literature many studies report a discrepancy between the objective measurements and the subjective satisfaction of the patients. Nowadays, evaluation of the patient long-term benefit obtained by replantation is uncertain. The aim of this study was to consider the long-term results of 33 thumb replantation procedures. METHODS: The period considered is from January 1997 to December 2015, 33 subjects fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and were included in the study. We evaluated in each patient: ROM (performing Kapandji test), level and mechanism of amputation, force peak of three grips using Dexter dynamometer (five-handle, key, tri-digital grips), sensibility (using Disk-Criminator and aesthesiometers of Semmes-Weinstein) and subjective perception of disability (using DASH questionnaire). RESULTS: All patients were males, 94% of them returned to their previous occupation. Average follow-up was 9±4 years. The prevalent mechanism of injury was a combined amputation in 58% of cases. Levels involved in more than half of patients were interphalangeal joints and proximal phalanxes. Ratios of strength recovery were: for the five-handle grip equal to 0.90±0.28 kg (p=0.63), 0.78±0.30 kg (p=0.64) for key grip and 0.75±0.32 kg (p=0.78) for tri-digital grip. Results for Kapandji test was 8±2 and for DASH test was 16±21. The protective tactile threshold was recovered in 49% of patients; S2PD test resulted positive in 54% and D2PD test in 39% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Results confirm and strengthen evidence of positive long-term functional outcomes of thumb replantation interventions.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Thumb replantation following complete amputation is a relatively frequent and well-established surgical procedure.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio evaluó los resultados funcionales a largo plazo (seguimiento promedio de 9±4 años) en 33 pacientes varones sometidos a reimplante de pulgar tras amputación traumática completa, valorando el rango de movimiento, la fuerza de prensión, la sensibilidad y la discapacidad subjetiva (DASH). Los resultados mostraron que el 94% regresó a su ocupación previa, con buenas proporciones de recuperación de fuerza y una recuperación sensorial razonable, lo que respalda el beneficio a largo plazo del reimplante de pulgar. El estudio no menciona ni emplea sanguijuelas, hirudoterapia ni ningún agente derivado de sanguijuelas. No existe relevancia directa con el dominio de la ASH; la conexión se limita al contexto quirúrgico general del reimplante digital, sin contenido ni hallazgos relacionados con sanguijuelas.
Citación
Contexto clínico relacionado
Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica
Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026