OBJECTIVE: To discuss the indication of replantation of destructive amputation of multiple fingers for improvement of the function of injured fingers. METHODS: From February 1996 to August 1999, 23 amputated fingers in 8 cases were shortened and replanted. The crushed digital bones were fixed by Kirschner wires, flexor tendons repaired by Kessler suture technique, and digital extensor tendons repaired by mattress suture. The arteries and veins were anastomosed in each finger at the ratio of 1 to 2 or 2 to 3. The defect of blood vessels was repaired by free graft of autologous veins in 5 fingers. All of the cases were followed up for 10 to 18 months, and clinical evaluation was performed. RESULTS: All replanted fingers survived in the 8 cases, with good sensation, two point discrimination of 6 to 12 mm, and satisfied function, such as pinching, grasping and hooking. The fingers were shortened for 2.6 cm in average, ranging from 2.2 cm to 4.0 cm. CONCLUSION: Multiple digits replantation by shortening fingers is beneficial to functional restoration of segmental destructive fingers.
The surgical treatment of 20 cases (58 fingers) of swan-neek deformity of fingers after burns was reported. The operativc techniques included: (1) The cicatrix at the dorsal aspect of the finger was relcased and the raw surface thus formed was covered by skin graft, while the palmar skin was tightened; (2) Thc extensor mechanism of the finger was partially resected with relcase of the interosscous muscles and shortening of tcnodesis of the tendon of flexor digitorum superficialis; and (3) Fusion of the interphalangeal joint. The results of various methods of treatment were analyzed, and the pathogenesis of swan-neck deformity of fingers was discussed. The importance of prevention of its occurrence was emphasized.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical result of reconstructed thumb and finger with a free hallux nail flap(HNF) and frozen-phalanx-joint-tendon-sheath composite tissue allograft in 270 cases. METHODS: The patients were followed up with reexamination in the ambulant clinic, communication, X-ray photography, lab-examination, isotope 99mTc MDP and reoperation. The data were analyzed by statistics or proved by clinical observation, which were followed up for five years in average (ranging from five months to sixteen years). RESULTS: Enveloping the allogeneic finger composite tissue with self-HNF and pieces of phalanx of great toe, it could reconstruct a thumb or finger with good contour and nutrition. The excellent rate of opposition function of the reconstructed thumbs was 71.91%. The sense of the fingers recovered after 3 months to 8 months of operation. Two-point discrimination was 3 mm to 15 mm. The junction between implanted allo-phalanges and auto-phalanges could be hastened by implanted with vascularized autogenous phalanx pieces in the HNF. The isotope 99mTc MDP was used to take X-ray photography in 24 cases for four months to 9 years and seven months, which showed that the blood vessels grew into the allo-phalanges. However, the Charcot’s arthropathy of allogeneic joints and bony absorption still could be seen in some cases. That might be concerned with chronic abrasion of joint or chronic rejection of host to graft. CONCLUSION: The operation is fit for repairing the defect of thumb or finger in any degree. The implanted vascularized self-phalanx pieces can promote bone union, but it can not prevent the allogeneic joints from arthropathy or bone absorption