Salvage of amputated thumbs by temporary ectopic implantation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the indications and benefits of ectopic implantation in the salvage of amputated thumb.


METHODS
Two cases of avulsed amputated thumbs were temporarily ectopically implanted onto the forearm and foot, with microvascular anastomoses. When the stump condition allowed, and the soft-tissue defects were repaired, the ectopic implanted thumbs were replanted to their anatomic positions.


RESULTS
Both thumbs survived the temporary ectopic implantation and second-stage replantation. The length of the thumbs was maintained, and the thumbs regained their function in 16- and 10-week follow-ups.


CONCLUSIONS
Temporary ectopic implantation of amputated parts provides an innovative procedure for the salvage of amputated thumbs under special circumstances. Although this procedure is very demanding, it does deserve special consideration in reconstructive microsurgery, since it offers the possibility to salvage amputated thumbs with extensive soft tissue loss of the hand, by preserving the anatomy and restoring the function of severely injured hands.
Li
Jing
J
The Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Xi Jing Hospital Affiliated to the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
Ni
Guo-Hua
GH
Guo
Zhen
Z
Fan
Hong-Bin
HB
Cong
Rui
R
Wang
Zhen
Z
Li
Ming-Quan
MQ
D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic; D002648:Child; D003646:Debridement; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012092:Replantation / Q000379:methods*; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*