Replantation Surgery

What is a Replantation?
When a finger, hand or arm is nearly or completely severed, replantation surgery is a possibility. Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you whether to replant the affected part. Replantation surgery strives to help the patient regain as much use of the injured area as possible.

What happens during Replantation Surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will remove damaged tissue and trim the end of the affected bone. The severed part is then “replanted” by sewing together arteries, veins, nerves, muscles and tendons. Skin from other areas of the body may be required to complete the process. In some cases, the surgeon performs a free-tissue process using tissue from other parts of the body to cover exposed nerves, tendons and joints.

Is the recovery time long?
Several factors contribute to the length of recovery. Smoking may delay recovery, because it causes poor circulation. Blood flow to the affected part is very important during the recovery process. You should also keep the replanted part above heart level as much as possible. Younger patients, of course, have the best chances for fuller recoveries. If the joint has not been injured, the patient will experience greater movement. In addition, a clean cut heals faster than a jagged one or a crushing injury. You should not expect to regain 100 percent of the use or your replanted part. Instead, most plastic surgeons consider a 60 to 80 percent usage rate as an excellent result.

Will I require therapy?
A severed finger, hand or arm sets a person on a long course of healing. Rehabilitation through therapy is vitally important to achieving as complete a recovery as possible. The Centre for Working Hands offers a comprehensive range of therapy services in our Rehabilitation department. In some cases, the Vector 1 or Vector 2 therapy devices may be recommended by your rehabilitation therapist.

Is it common to experience depression or other emotional problems after suffering an injury that results in a severed body part?
Replantations affect not just the physical aspects of a person’s well-being. Patients can experience shock, grief, anger, disbelief or disappointment at any point throughout the healing process. The Centre partners with the Centre for Behavioral Care to help patients regain their emotional well-being following such injuries.

Please contact our reconstructive surgeons for more information on replantations or to schedule a consultation. The Centre for Working Hands offers the latest procedures in replantation and hand surgery to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area.

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