title: Long term follow-up after finger replantation.
abstract: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess objective and subjective aspects of the long-term results of finger replantations and revascularisations. Forty patients with 59 successfully replanted or revascularised fingers, who had a mean age of 38 years, were followed-up over an average of 3.5 years. The assessment included: the profile of the blood flow in the digital arteries of replanted fingers with Doppler ultrasound, active range of motion, total grip strength, pinch grip, static two-point discrimination test and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing. The dexterity of the hand was evaluated subjectively with the Carlsson's questionnaire and cold intolerance with a modified McCabe's questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed and a statistically significant correlation was found between the Carlsson's functional score, active range of motion and total grip strength. In 28 fingers (74%), blood flow in the digital arteries showed an undisturbed profile, while ten fingers showed mild stenosis or impaired microcirculation.
authors.affiliation: Department of General and Hand Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Walaszek
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zyluk
mesh_terms: D003080:Cold Temperature; D005385:Fingers / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012092:Replantation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012677:Sensation; D016896:Treatment Outcome