The possible applications of a composite skin and subcutaneous vein graft in the replantation of amputated digits.
A composite graft of skin and attached vein was taken from the dorsal aspect of the foot and used in the replantation of 6 amputated digits in 5 patients which were complicated by loss of skin and blood vessels and with exposed bone and tendon. The 5 replanted digits survived in 4 patients. Complete survival of the skin graft was achieved in two digits and partial necrosis occurred in three digits. The technique is put forward as a possible method of vascular reconstruction in which skin loss is complicated by exposure of the deeper structures i.e., bone, tendon and/or joint.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012092:Replantation / Q000379:methods*; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D014680:Veins / Q000637:transplantation*