Successful arm replantation using traditional surgical techniques: a case report from a low-resource country.

Abstract

Introduction: Upper limb replantation requires rapid intervention by a multidisciplinary team and appropriate equipment to rescue the limb. Note that the success of the operation and the decision to perform it depend on several factors. This case report presents an upper limb replantation performed using traditional surgical techniques.

Case presentation: A 12-year-old boy presented to our hospital with a crushing injury to the right upper arm, which was amputated at the lower third of the humerus, with the biceps brachii tendon remaining intact. The first aid included resuscitation and intravenous fluid administration to maintain hemodynamic stability. The surgeons replanted the arm by immobilizing the fracture with Kirschner wires, performing several arterial and venous anastomoses, and suturing the damaged nerve and muscle aponeurosis in a 3-h operation. The patient was discharged after 5 days without any complications but was recommended to undergo physical therapy to regain his arm movement and is currently undergoing monthly follow-ups to ensure the required improvement.

Discussion: Upper limb replantation is a complicated process that enables the conservation of arm function and appearance. This requires rapid intervention by a multidisciplinary team. Additionally, advanced equipment, such as microsurgical tools, provides greater success and ease of revascularization.

Conclusion: To successfully re-implant an amputated limb, several factors must be considered: surgeon experience, availability of necessary equipment, and provision of post-operative care. Despite lacking advanced tools, surgeons can rely on their surgical skills to overcome this challenge.