title: Nonmicrosurgical replantation using a subcutaneous pocket for salvage of the amputated fingertip.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The pocket principle suggested by Brent in 1979 is an alternative method for use when microsurgical replantation is not feasible. The application and the amputation level for which the method is available, however, have not been well examined.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1999 and 2003 we treated 6 patients (7 fingers) by nonmicrosurgical replantation using a subcutaneous pocket (the Brent technique). All patients had sustained complete fingertip amputations across or proximal to the lunula in digits other than the thumb. In every case the amputation was a crush or avulsion-type injury and microsurgical replantation was not feasible; however, cosmetic symmetry was desired strongly by the patient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 7 fingers only one survived completely but became atrophic after 4 months. One finger developed necrosis involving less than half of the replant but a hooked nail deformity developed. Two fingers developed partial necrosis involving more than half of the replant but both fingers were missing the fingernail and the cosmetic results were not acceptable. Three fingers developed total necrosis. In addition a slight flexion contracture not improved with therapy in the digits was noted in 4 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Brent technique should be performed scrupulously for fingertip amputation across or proximal to the lunula because of the poor survival rate and the possibility of contracture in the digits or other proximal joints.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kagawa University, Ikenobe, Miki, Kita, Kagawa, Japan. muneuchi@med.kagawa-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Gan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Muneuchi
authors.forename: Masato
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kurokawa
authors.forename: Kazuhiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Igawa
authors.forename: Yusuke
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hamamoto
authors.forename: Hiroharu H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Igawa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000601:surgery*; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005385:Fingers / Q000473:pathology; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology; D012092:Replantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*