[Macro-replantation of the upper limb: long-terms results and quality of life].
OBJECTIVE
The authors suggest standardized questionnaires of quality of life to perform a long term evaluation of patients who underwent a replantation of the proximal upper limb.


METHODS
This retrospective study is about patients who underwent a replantation of the proximal upper limb between 1979 and 2011. The functional assessment was conducted using several tools including the 400 points test, the sensory tests, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and the CHEN's classification. Some questionnaires, like the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 dealt with the physical and the psychological sides of the quality of life. Other questionnaires were more specific, like the Body Image Scale.


RESULTS
Sixteen patients were included. The survival rate of the replanted limb was 75%. The mean follow-up was 12.7 years. We noted 20% good results with a mean DASH score to 24.5%. The quality of life was similar to the general population in most of 50% of cases. Some patients had depressive symptoms or body image troubles.


CONCLUSIONS
In our eyes, the evaluation of quality of life seems essential for these patients. Survival rates, functional results, follow-up, professional activity, gender and body image troubles influence the quality of life. Besides, the physical side and the psychological side must change together to affect the overall results of the quality of life.
Service de chirurgie orthopédie, traumatologique, plastique et réadaptation fonctionnelle, hôpital Jean-Minjoz, boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besancon cedex, France. nicoferry@hotmail.fr
N
N
Ferry
H
H
Devilliers
J
J
Pauchot
L
L
Obert
Y
Y
Tropet
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012092:Replantation / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012782:Shoulder / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*