Study on the preservation effects of the amputated forelimb by machine perfusion at physiological temperature.

PURPOSE: Ischemia and hypoxia are the main factors limiting limb replantation and transplantation. Static cold storage (SCS), a common preservation method for tissues and organs, can only prolong limb ischemia time to 4 - 6 h. The normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is a promising method for the preservation of tissues and organs, which can extend the preservation time in vitro by providing continuous oxygen and nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the difference in the efficacy of the 2 limb preservation methods. METHODS: The 6 forelimbs from beagle dogs were divided into 2 groups. In the SCS group (n = 3), the limbs were preserved in a sterile refrigerator at 4 °C for 24 h, and in the NMP group (n = 3), the perfusate prepared with autologous blood was used for the oxygenated machine perfusion at physiological temperature for 24 h, and the solution was changed every 6 h. The effects of limb storage were evaluated by weight gain, perfusate biochemical analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and histological analysis. All statistical analyses and graphs were performed using GraphPad Prism 9.0 one-way or two-way analysis of variance. The p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: In the NMP group, the weight gained percentage was 11.72% ± 4.06%; the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α contents showed no significant changes; the shape of muscle fibers was normal; the gap between muscle fibers slightly increased, showing the intercellular distance of (30.19 ± 2.83) µm; and the vascular α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) contents were lower than those in the normal blood vessels. The creatine kinase level in the perfusate of the NMP group increased from the beginning of perfusion, decreased after each perfusate change, and remained stable at the end of perfusion showing a peak level of 4097.6 U/L. The lactate dehydrogenase level of the NMP group increased near the end of perfusion and reached the peak level of 374.4 U/L. In the SCS group, the percentage of weight gain was 0.18% ± 0.10%, and the contents of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α increased gradually and reached the maximum level of (164.85 ± 20.75) pg/mL at the end of the experiment. The muscle fibers lost their normal shape and the gap between muscle fibers increased, showing an intercellular distance of (41.66 ± 5.38) µm. The contents of vascular α-SMA were much lower in the SCS group as compared to normal blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: NMP caused lesser muscle damage and contained more vascular α-SMA as compared to SCS. This study demonstrated that NMP of the amputated limb with perfusate solution based on autologous blood could maintain the physiological activities of the limb for at least 24 h.

Review of Replantation Services from a Level One Trauma Center in India.

The aim of this article is to examine the elements that contribute to effective operation of a specialized replantation center and to provide readers with a general idea of the outcome of replantation services in India. A dedicated high-volume center coupled with a sound referral system is the backbone of replantation services in a country. A retrospective study was done on all patients who visited a level 1 trauma center in India from November 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, for various amputations. The medical records and digital pictures of these patients were extracted from the records and analyzed. During the study period, 77 replants were performed on 63 patients at our center. Males were 68% of the study, mostly belonging to the 20 to 40 years age group (63%). Thirty-four percent of cases were smokers. Agricultural injuries (49%) were the most common cause of amputation. Finger replantation was the most common type of replantation (82%). The rate of successful replantation was highest for scalp (100%) followed by hand (71%) and thumb (67%). Setting up dedicated replantation services is essential, especially in highly populated areas. Manpower, resources, and a protocol-led approach help in achieving optimum results. A multidisciplinary team approach with round-the-clock availability plays a vital role in intraoperative decision-making and planning postoperative rehabilitation.

Research status and progress on limb preservation technology / 器官移植

Limb replantation and transplantation is the optimal treatment for traumatic limb amputation. Safe and effective limb preservation is the key factor to determine the success of limb replantation and transplantation. Currently, static cold storage is the gold standard of limb preservation. However, the preservation time is short, which may no longer meet clinical requirements. With rapid development of organ preservation in recent years, novel preservation technologies, such as ultra-low temperature preservation, supercooling preservation and mechanical perfusion preservation, have successively emerged. However, at present, these techniques are primarily applied to the preservation of solid organs rather than composite tissue allografts with blood vessels including limbs. In this article, research status and progress on the application of static cold storage and mechanical perfusion preservation in limb preservation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical application of limb preservation technology and promote the development of limb replantation and transplantation.

Major traumatic amputations and replantations of the upper extremity in Germany - National quality reports 2014-2018.

The treatment of traumatic major upper limb amputation is complex and of great urgency. Loss of time often represents a majorrestriction for replantation. Thus, logistical and infrastructural developments, such as the expansion of specialised hand trauma centres, are crucial for optimizing delivery of care. Surveillance represents the fundament for a proper, demand-adapted implementation of such therapeutical improvements. However, a comprehensive database for surveillance of these injuries does currently not exist in Germany or Europe. In this study quality reports of German hospitals from 2014 to 2018 were screened retrospectively for traumatic major upper extremity amputations and replantations. A total of 329 amputations and 87 replantations were recorded, accounting for an overall replantation rate (RR) of 26%. Most of the injuries affected the level of the wrist and forearm. Treatment of these injuries experienced an increasing centralisation to medical teaching facilities, which accounted for higher RRs compared with non-teaching facilities. The cumulatively most populous federal states handled most of the amputation injures in this five-year study period. Ratio calculations on the basis of population counts, however, revealed great discrepancies to these results, with Hamburg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland accounting for the highest per capita incidences. In 2018 Germany was provided with 46 specialised hand trauma and replantation centres, which performed 45% of the replantations in that year, revealing a RR of 17%, compared to an overall RR of 14% in that year. Nevertheless, there might be potential for improvement in the geographical distribution of these specialised centres. The provision of highly specialised therapy in highly specialised centres for highly complex injuries is a future challenge in replantation surgery. This data is contributing to logistical improvements for a need-adapted expansion of these specialised hand trauma centres. The study demonstrates an approach of a standardised and comprehensive injury surveillance program based on national quality reports, while underlining the importance of such a national or rather European database for optimisations in medical care. Level of evidence IV.

Ten-year outcome of unilateral leg replantation after bilateral lower leg amputation following traumatic injury: A case report.

The absolute indications for lower limb replantation are not unequivocally established; rather, this procedure is still challenging and controversial. We report a case of a young male who underwent bilateral leg amputation, followed by unilateral replantation. The patient demonstrated good 10-year outcomes. A 23-year-old man had both of his lower legs crushed by heavy machinery that fell from the back of a truck, leading to amputation of bilateral lower limbs. Although bilateral amputation was recommended due to severe contusion on both sides, the patient and his family strongly requested replantation of the right leg, and surgery was started approximately 3 h after the injury. In addition to the emergency replantation, six surgeries were performed thereafter. Five months after the first surgery, the patient was fitted with a left lower leg prosthesis and started gait training. He was discharged 8 months later. Ten years after the replantation, the patient is satisfied with his leg. He has a normal gait with a prosthesis and has integrated into society with no functional deficit. There are still no clear standards for replantation after leg amputation, and individual decisions must be made based on the severity of the injury and the patient's general condition. In this case, we respected the patient's strong will to preserve the right leg and decided on the treatment plan. As a result, the patient was highly satisfied, and the spared right leg facilitated the patient's physical and mental recovery.

Breaking the technical barrier of microvascular anastomosis with high-speed videography: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical anastomosis is technically difficult especially for less-experienced surgeons. Traditionally, surgeons in training could only accomplish these surgeries under intensive guiding and supervision from senior surgeons. This study presents and characterises a new method for microsurgical trainees to objectively evaluating the quality of vascular anastomosis intraoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study to determine the utility of patency test of vascular anastomosis with assistance of high-speed video recording (PTHVR) to evaluate the quality of vascular anastomosis during microsurgery. To determine whether the use of PTHVR outperformed traditional supervision from senior surgeons (historical control), we compared the outcomes of microsurgeries including free flap transfer and replantation between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 211 patients were enrolled, of which 98 underwent surgery under traditional supervision and 113 underwent surgery with PTHVR. Of the 211 patients, 102 underwent digit replantation (48%), 22 underwent limb replantation (10%), and 87 underwent free flap transfer (42%). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in age, gender, BMI, pre-existing comorbidities, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and duration of surgery. Use of PTHVR as an intraoperative guide significantly decreased the rate of re-exploration surgeries (PTHVR, 8.0% [9/113]; control, 23.5% [23/98]; P = 0.002) and replantation/free flap failures (PTHVR, 8.8% [10/113]; control, 19.4% [19/98]; P = 0.029) compared with historical control under traditional supervision. CONCLUSIONS: PTHVR is a useful tool for improving the success rate of microsurgery for less-experienced surgeons when compared with traditional supervision mode.

Use of Integra® as a Temporizing Measure Before Definitive Flap Surgery in Mangled Extremities Requiring Revascularization.

Complex palm defects with devascularized digits often require vein grafts. This may need to be followed by a free or pedicled flap to resurface the tissue lost and also cover the vein grafts and the anastomosis. However, if the anastomosis fails, or there is marginal wound necrosis, the existing flap would be redundant and a different flap would be needed for coverage. In such situations, a novel approach would be to temporarily cover the anastomotic site with Integra® (Integra LifeScience Corporation, Plainsboro, NJ), until the digit and skin margin vascularity stabilize. This technique can be used to buy time and potentially lessen the need for pedicled or free flap coverage in the first instance. This should be taken into consideration as a viable alternative during revascularization in such cases. In this case report, we present two cases in which we used Integra® as a temporary cover over exposed vein grafts until vascularization was established and a more definitive flap coverage was done. We were able to place the flap directly over the Integra®. This allowed time to determine additional necrosis of the wound margins and the final size of the defect that required coverage. Other advantages of this technique are that Integra® is readily available, there is no donor site morbidity, and the silicone layer which is not directly in contact with the vein graft can be easily peeled off without any traction. A flap or skin graft can be done directly over the collagen layer of the Integra®. Also, having a collagen layer integrated over the vein graft can potentially obviate the need for a flap.

Clinical application for DSA combined with a double-chamber Fogarty catheter in the treatment of venous crisis.

INTRODUCTION: Venous crisis, as a common vascular crisis post limb replantation, is usually treated with surgical exploration. AIM: To investigate effects of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) combined with double-chamber Fogarty balloon catheter on venous crisis post replantation of limbs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients suffering from severed limbs were involved in this study. Patients underwent DSA combining double-chamber Fogarty balloon catheter operation. Colour Doppler ultrasound was used to diagnose patients with venous crisis. Patients were treated with rehydration, anti-infection, anticoagulation, and vasodilation. Indexes, including total joint active activity, working condition, remaining symptoms, appearance, feeling, and muscle strength, were evaluated. RESULTS: During operation, the limb was shortened to 0-1 cm in 8 cases, to 1-2 cm in 2 cases, and to 2-2.5 cm in 2 cases. According to DSA findings, popliteal vein thrombosis was formed at 0.6-4.2 cm and was removed from the popliteal vein. After removal of the thrombosis, DSA images showed re-canalization of the popliteal vein. A typical case of a 16-year-old patient underwent limb replantation; however, venous crisis was formed post operation. Postoperative colour Doppler ultrasound findings indicated re-canalization of the popliteal vein. Tibia and fibula were reduced and internally fixed, while the limb was survived post-operation. The degree of swelling of limbs was improved, and skin temperature was normal or 0.6-1.5°C lower than affected limbs. Skin colour was normal and activity was improved. Patients demonstrated sensory recovery grade of S3+ and two-point discrimination of 4.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: DSA combining double-chamber Fogarty balloon catheter, as a minimally invasive and fast approach, could accurately locate thrombi and improve pertinence of vein branches.

Failure of Major Upper Extremity Replantation Due to COVID-19-Related Arterial Thrombosis.

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged in Wuhan, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 has many different clinical manifestations. One of them is arterial hypercoagulopathy. Although its mechanism is not fully explained, acute thrombosis and thromboembolism can be seen in patients. In this study, we present a case who was amputated due to the development of arterial thrombosis on the 10th day following infection with coronavirus, despite successful replantation after traumatic above-elbow amputation. After replantation on the seventh day, it was learned that the patient's husband was positive for COVID-19 and had come to visit the patient. For this reason, we performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to confirm the patient's COVID-19 status. We found that the patient, who was asymptomatic, was positive by RT-PCR for COVID-19. On the 10th day after the operation, it was observed that the blood circulation of the replanted extremity was impaired, although it had been perfect until that day. Emergency embolectomy and vascular reanastomosis were planned for the patient. Although we generally observe thrombosis at an end-to-end anastomosis site, massive axillary arterial thrombosis was detected at the proximal end of the vascular anastomosis. Upon development of tachycardia, hypotension, and metabolic acidosis after embolectomy and vascular reanastomosis, the decision was made to amputate the replanted limb to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications. To our knowledge, this is the first such COVID-19-related complication on upper extremity replantation in the literature.

Successful 18-h acellular extracorporeal perfusion and replantation of porcine limbs - Histology versus nerve stimulation.

The current standard for composite tissue preservation is static cold storage (SCS) and is limited to 6 h until irreversible muscle damage occurs. Extracorporeal perfusion (ECP) is a promising technique for prolonged preservation, however, functional results have been scarcely researched. This article assessed neuromuscular function and compared results to histological alterations to predict muscle damage after ECP. Forelimbs of twelve Dutch landrace pigs were amputated and preserved by 4 h SCS at 4-6 °C (n = 6) or 18 h mid-thermic ECP with University of Wisconsin solution (n = 6). Limbs were replanted and observed for 12 h. Sham surgery was performed on contralateral forelimbs (n = 12). Histology analysis scored four subgroups representing different alterations (higher score equals more damage). Muscle contraction after median nerve stimulation was comparable between ECP, SCS, and sham limbs (P = 0.193). Histology scores were higher in ECP limbs compared to SCS limbs (4.8 vs. 1.5, P = 0.013). This was mainly based on more oedema in these limbs. In-vivo muscle contraction was well preserved after 18 h ECP compared to short SCS, although histology seemed inferior in this group. Histology, therefore, did not correlate to muscle function at 12 h after replantation. This leads to the question whether histology or neuromuscular function is the best predictor for transplant success.

Distal Forearm Replantation in a Child: A Case Report with a 30-year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Amputation in the upper extremities influenced the quality of life a lot adversely. So, replantation was tried in many cases of amputation. Especially, due to good plasticity and healing capacity, replantation in children should be actively attempted. On the contrary, owing to growth potential in children, there are several late complications to happen like shortening and synostosis. There are only a few longterm follow-up reports of paediatric patients after replantation of upper extremities. We report a case of successful distal forearm replantation in a 2-year-old child who sustained a wringer injury by a sawing machine with a follow-up of 30 years. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2-year-old female patient was brought to our institution after a wringer injury to the distal forearm by a sawing machine. She sustained a near-total amputation at the distal forearm level with only a skin tag. Replantation was performed 4 hours after the injury. Radius and ulnar fractures were fixed with Kirschner and roll wires. The radial and ulnar arteries were anastomosed and three veins were anastomosed too. The median, ulnar, and radial nerves were managed by epi-perineurorrhaphy. The muscles were readapted, flexor tendons were performed tenorrhaphy each by each, and extensor tendons were performed grouping tenorrhaphy. Ten years after the replantation, a supination motion block was developed but successfully managed. CONCLUSION: Replantation of upper limbs in children is an eceedingly worthwhile procedure. Though due to growth potential several complications were developed unlikely in adults. But those can be improved with additional procedures. Good plasticity and healing capacity of children make good functional outcomes in long-term follow-up. So, replantation of upper limbs in children should essentially be considered and aggressively performed. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Hee LS, Hyung-Sik K, Hong-Chul L. Distal Forearm Replantation in a Child: A Case Report with a 30-year Followup. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2021;16(3):179-183.

Major Limb Replantation of Lower Leg Amputation with Ipsilateral Distal Femoral Comminuted Fracture in Old Age: A Case Report

The development of microsurgical techniques has also increased the success rate of replantation surgery. This paper reports the results of limb replantation performed on a lower extremity amputation that was associated with crush amputation and an ipsilateral comminuted fracture in and elderly patient. A 68-year-old female presented with a right distal tibia amputation due to a traffic accident. At that time, with a comminuted fracture in the distal femoral condyle, simple wound repair was recommended, but the caregivers strongly wanted replantation. Three years after surgery, normal walking was possible without a cane and the patient was satisfied with the function and aesthetics. What used to be contraindicated in limb replantation in the past are now indications due to the development of microsurgical techniques, surgical experience, and postoperative rehabilitation treatment. If the patient is willing to be treated, good results in contraindications can be obtained.

[Application of shortened replantation combined with limb lengthening in treatment of severe amputation of middle and distal lower leg].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and technical points of shortened replantation combined with limb lengthening in the treatment of severe amputation of middle and distal lower leg. Methods: Twelve cases of severe amputation of middle and distal lower leg were treated with shortened replantation at the 1st stage and limb lengthening at the 2nd stage between April 2009 and May 2016. There were 9 males and 3 females with an average age of 28 years (range, 16-32 years). The injury causes included traffic accident injury in 4 cases, heavy pound injury in 6 cases, and machine crush injury in 2 cases. The interval from injuries to treatment ranged from 30 minuts to 6 hours (mean, 3 hours and 12 minutes). All of 12 cases, 6 cases were completely amputated in the right middle and distal lower leg, 4 were not completely amputated in the left middle and distal lower leg, and 2 were ankle amputations. The limbs were 4.0-12.5 cm shorter than the contralateral sides, with an average of 7.3 cm. Limb lengthening was performed at 1.5-8.0 months after replantation and the time of extension was 1.7-5.3 months (mean, 3.1 months). Results: All 12 patients recovered the same lengths of both lower extremities after shortened replantation and limb lengthening. The lengthened segments gained good bone mineralization, bony union was achieved at lengthened segments and broken end of fracture at 7-16 months (mean, 11.3 months). All patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years (mean, 2 years and 5 months). The range of motion of the knee joint were 0-5° (mean, 3°) in hyperextension and 110-140° (mean, 120°) in flexion. Except for 2 cases of ankle arthrodesis, plantar flexion angles were 15-45° (mean, 26°) and dorsiflexion angles were 10-25° (mean, 15°) in the other cases. The plantar sensation was restored to the S 3 + level in 4 cases, S 3 level in 6 cases, and S 2 level in 2 cases. At last follow-up, the affected limb function were excellent in 7 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 2 cases according to Kofoed functional evaluation criteria. Conclusion: It expanded indications for replantation of lower limb amputation, reduced the operation difficulty and trauma with shortened replantation combined with limb lengthening in the treatment of severe amputation of middle and distal lower leg.

Application of shortened replantation combined with limb lengthening in treatment of severe amputation of middle and distal lower leg / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Results: All 12 patients recovered the same lengths of both lower extremities after shortened replantation and limb lengthening. The lengthened segments gained good bone mineralization, bony union was achieved at lengthened segments and broken end of fracture at 7-16 months (mean, 11.3 months). All patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years (mean, 2 years and 5 months). The range of motion of the knee joint were 0-5° (mean, 3°) in hyperextension and 110-140° (mean, 120°) in flexion. Except for 2 cases of ankle arthrodesis, plantar flexion angles were 15-45° (mean, 26°) and dorsiflexion angles were 10-25° (mean, 15°) in the other cases. The plantar sensation was restored to the S 3 + level in 4 cases, S 3 level in 6 cases, and S 2 level in 2 cases. At last follow-up, the affected limb function were excellent in 7 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 2 cases according to Kofoed functional evaluation criteria.

Relative Factors of Functional Recovery after Upper Limb Replantation / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To analyze the relative factors of functional recovery after upper limbs replantation. Methods From September, 2009 to March, 2014, 24 consecutive patients after upper limb replantation for amputation were retrospectively analyzed. The Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) was used to assess the functional recovery of the upper limbs at the last follow-up. The non-conditional Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation of gender, age, time from injury to surgery, amputated level, amputated method, isch-emia hours, dominant hand or not, rehabilitation treatment, rehabilitation duration, and the DASH scores. Results The DASH score was>28.50 in 15 patients, while ≤28.50 in 9 patients. The Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that amputated method and rehabilitation treatment correlated with the functional recovery of upper limbs (χ2>7.360, P0.05). Conclusion The amputated method and rehabilitation treatment after operation are the factors related to the func-tional recovery after upper limb replantation.

Above-the-knee replantation in a child: a case report with a 24-year follow-up.

Replantation of an amputated limb is generally contraindicated in crushing and traction injuries. Injury to muscle tissue and skin also creates difficulties in coverage, and bony fractures may shorten limb length which can impede lower extremity function. Numerous cases have been reported on the successful replantation of the lower limb in children; however, review of previous English literature has documented only very few replantation at the thigh level, and those with severe crushing injury resulted in subsequent amputation. We report a case of successful thigh-level replantation in a 3-year-old child who sustained a crushing-traction type of injury with a follow-up of 24 years. After the replantation, early and late complications developed but these were successfully managed. On her last visit, the patient had pain-free ambulation without assistance, had intact protective sensation distal to the injury, and was very satisfied with the outcome. Replantation of the lower limb in children with crushing or avulsion type of injuries is still a worthwhile procedure. However, both the patient and the family should be aware that multiple surgeries may be needed to accommodate to long-term complications such as joint stiffness, scar contractures, and limb length discrepancies.

Acute normovolemic hemodilution in cryopreserved dog limb replantation / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To observe the contribution of acute normovolemic hemodilution ( ANH) in experiment of cryopreserved dog limb replantation.Methods Sixteen healthy Beagle dogs (male:female=1:1) were divided into two groups.Dogs in the experiment group ( Group B) received ANH in the limb replantation, and dogs in the control group ( Group A) received the same amount of lactate Ringer’ s solution intravenously during the surgical operation.We recorded and compared the hemodynamic indexes, HB, HCT, the resuscitation time, the first rising head time, the first standing time and the first eating and drinking time between the two groups.Results ( 1 ) During the operation, both PaO2 and PCO2 in the two groups were normal, as well as the breathing rate.The heart rate in the group B was lower than that in the group A.Before blood transfusion, there was no statistically significant difference in HB and HCT between the two groups, but after transfusion they were significantly higher in the group B than in the group A.(2) The resuscitation time, the first rising head time, the first standing time and the first eating and drinking time of the group B were all better than those in the group A.Conclusions In cryopreserved dog limb replantation experiments, acute normovolemic hemodilution is helpful to improve the general condition and facilitate the recovery of animals after limb replantation.

Reimplante de pé em criança: relato de caso / Foot replantation in children: a case report

RESUMO Introdução: As indicações de reimplante de membros inferiores em crianças são ainda controversas na literatura e, comparadas com os reimplantes de membros superiores, são mais seletivas. Os reimplantes de membro inferior são menos frequentes por várias razões, haja vista que os traumas que provocam amputações ao nível do membro inferior geralmente são de alta energia cinética e provocam grave lesão tecidual, além da associação frequente de lesões de outros órgãos que contraindicam o procedimento. Associada à frequência de complicações graves no pós-operatório e os resultados medíocres de alguns casos, muitos cirurgiões se sentem desencorajados a reimplantar estes segmentos. Existem poucos relatos de reimplantes de membros inferiores com sucesso funcional na literatura. Relato de Caso: Paciente E.S.S., sexo feminino, quatro anos de idade, vítima de atropelamento por trem em julho de 1997, que resultou em esmagamento do terço inferior da perna esquerda e amputação ao nível do tornozelo esquerdo. A paciente deu entrada na emergência da Santa Casa de Campo Grande-MS, apresentando boas condições gerais, sendo indicado o reimplante do membro amputado. Foi então transferida à sala de operação (S.O), e após oito horas de isquemia foi reimplantado o pé esquerdo. Conclusão: Fica claro que em casos selecionados, como o da paciente acima, o reimplante microcirúrgico é uma opção válida e extremamente valiosa, não só do ponto de vista funcional, mas estético.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The indications for lower limb replantation in children are still controversial in the literature. Furthermore, they are more selective than those for upper limb replantation. Replantations of lower limbs are less frequent for various reasons, including that the traumas leading to amputations at the lower limb level are usually high-kinetic-energy injuries and involve severe tissue damage, in addition to their frequent association with other organ damage that discourage the use of the procedure. Because of the association with frequent serious postoperative complications and unsatisfactory outcomes in some cases, many surgeons feel discouraged to replant these segments. There are few literature reports on lower limb replantations with functional success. Case Report: Patient E.S.S. is a 4-year-old girl who was run over by a train in July 1997. The accident resulted in the crushing of the lower third of her left leg and the amputation of her left ankle. She was admitted to the emergency room of Santa Casa de Campo Grande-MS, in good overall condition. Replantation of the amputated limb was recommended. She was then transferred to the operating room, and her left foot was replanted after 8 h of ischemia. Conclusion: Clearly, in selected cases, such as the patient reported here, microsurgical replantation is a valid and extremely valuable option, both from a functional and an aesthetic point of view.

Injuries of avulsion and severance of upper extremity caused by flexion and rotation and their functional reconstruction / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To study the injuries of avulsion and severance of upper extremity caused by flexion and rotation and application of tissues of chest side and back in functional reconstruction of the upper extremity. Methods The primary or fosterage replantations were performed from 2000 July to 2003 September for 6 cases of the injuries of avulsion and severance of upper extremity caused by flexion and rotation. After the operation, the shoulder joint was immobilized at abduction of 90 degrees and elbow joint was fixated at inflexion of 100 degrees. 4 weeks later, the fixation was removed and the regular functional training was started. Results Follow-ups ranging from 3 months to 2 years revealed that all the cases of replantation were successful. After operation, the shoulder joint could abduct 50?～90?, anteflect 50?～70?, extend backwards 20?～30?, and adduct 20?～40?. The elbow joint could flex 100?～140?and extend -20?～0?. 3 months after reconstruction, the muscle strength of elbow flexion recovered to Ⅳ～Ⅴdegrees. Conclusion Application of tissues of chest side and back to repair avulsion and severance of upper extremity stage by stages and layer by layer is an ideal method to resolve the contradiction between wound coverage and functional reconstruction because it can restore both the function and appearance.

Functional evaluation of a patient 39 years after forearm replantation / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To evaluate the functional outcome and long-term problems of a patient 39 years after forearm replantation.Methods The methods and criteria of the China Hand Surgery Association for limb replanta- tion were used to evaluate motion,muscle strength,sensation,cosmesis,and subjective symptoms.Dexterity in vo- cational and daily living activities was also assessed.Results The final evaluation score was 71,and the activities of daily living score was 14.Conclusion The replanted forearm was functioning well.Protective sensation had re- turned,but fine discriminative ability had not,nor had cold tolerance.