title: Digital replantation.
abstract: Most of the technical problems of digital replantation have been resolved, but restoration of damaged joints and free gliding of tendons still defy the replantation surgeon. The restoration of function can be enhanced after the reparative process by encouraging motivation in the patient and by a persistent, supervised program of rehabilitation. Attainment of structural and anatomic integrity does not guarantee good function: some patients achieve useful function in spite of a greatly reduced number of parts of the hand and unremarkable initial recovery. Replantation surgeons working as a team have the technical skill to provide the injured patient with a chance for recovery of lost function. Lost digits never function.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012092:Replantation / Q000379:methods*; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery