Module 7 - Hand Injuries

Amputations

The indications for replantation include virtually ant amputation at any level in any child, thumb amputations, multiple digits, distal amputations distal to the insertion of the sublimis but not distal to the mid portion of the distal phalanx, and occasionally single digits. The ideal amputation is a knife-like guillotine amputation through the soft tissue. With increasing injury at the site of the amputation, the possible replantation becomes less likely.

Finger tip amputations are a subset of this group and require an individualized approach based on patient age, digit involved, level of amputation, and experience of the operator. Usually, finger tip injuries are allowed to heal spontaneously with dressing changes.

Author: Dr. SF Morris