Return-to-Work After Attempted Digit Replantation: A Systematic Review of 31 Studies
Research article published in Hand (New York, N.Y.) (2024)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Traumatic digit amputation is a common injury with life-altering consequences for thousands of patients each year. In this study, we aim to update and expand the reported outcomes of return-to-work (RTW) and functional recovery in patients treated with digit replant after traumatic amputation. METHODS: A PRISMA-guided systematic review was performed to identify all published articles related to digit replantation following amputation. We queried the following 4 databases: Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed-MEDLINE. A total of 31 studies were included in the analysis of return-to-work data. RESULTS: Of the 31 included studies, 26 studies reported that 1976 digits were successfully replanted, while 27 studies reported that 300 replants failed (86.8% success rate). Among 1087 patients in these studies, 82.9% who underwent replantation returned to work. The mean RTW time in 16 studies was 4.7 months (weighted average). Return-to-work time ranged from 0 to 26 months in 12 studies. Of 352 patients who returned to work in 17 studies, 90.9% resumed their previous occupation, while 29 (8.2%) changed occupations. The RTW for finger-only replantations was significantly lower compared to thumb-only, distal digit-only, and any digit replantations (66.0% vs 82.8%; 66.0% vs 87.6%; 66.0% vs 82.9%). CONCLUSION: Despite a declining prevalence of digit replantation surgery in recent years, this study illustrates that replantation provides beneficial outcomes for patients with a high return-to-work rate.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Peer-reviewed clinical and outcomes research relevant to medicinal leech therapy and its biology. Indexed in PubMed and verified against the NCBI record.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Esta revisión sistemática guiada por PRISMA de 31 estudios examinó el retorno al trabajo (RTW) y la recuperación funcional tras la replantación digital tras una amputación traumática, reportando una tasa de éxito de replantación del 86,8%, una tasa de RTW del 82,9% en 1.087 pacientes, una media ponderada de RTW de 4,7 meses y una RTW notablemente menor para las replantaciones solo de dedos (66,0%) que para las replantaciones solo de pulgar, replantaciones distales o replantaciones de cualquier dedo. Para la hirudoterapia esto es importante porque las sanguijuelas medicinales son un complemento establecido para aliviar la congestión venosa en los dedos replantados y colgajos microvasculares, por lo que los resultados funcionales favorables documentados aquí describen exactamente el escenario de salvamento en el que se utiliza la terapia con sanguijuelas para proteger una replantación amenazada. Nota honesta: esta es una revisión sistemática que resume estudios publicados heterogéneos y no evalúa la hirudoterapia en sí misma ni atribuye ningún resultado a ella; proporciona contexto para el campo de la replantación, no evidencia directa para la hirudoterapia.
Citación
Return-to-Work After Attempted Digit Replantation: A Systematic Review of 31 Studies.
Treger et al. · Hand (New York, N.Y.), 2024
Contexto clínico relacionado
Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica
Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 28, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026