Patterns of thermoregulation associated with cold intolerance after digital replantation.
Twelve patients with complete thumb amputations were analyzed to determine the interrelations between thermoregulation for pain and cold intolerance and sensory nerve recovery. Patients were examined at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and after 2 years following replantation. Medical thermography was introduced to assess postoperative circulation following digital replantation, while vasomotor tone was assessed by cold-stress plethysmography testing. Postoperative circulation was divided into two different patterns based upon skin temperature, the transition of which over time correlated well with sensory nerve recovery. Patients with cold intolerance showed a persistent vasoconstriction pattern, the cold change of which was objectively detected by thermography.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan.
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N
Isogai
K
K
Fukunishi
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H
Kamiishi
D000328:Adult; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012092:Replantation; D013933:Thumb / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors