[Replantation and revascularization of the thumb in musculoskeletal trauma center--presentation of 2 cases].

Abstract

Summary We present two cases of successful microsurgical replantation and revascularization of the thumb of dominating extremity in young men performed in orthopedic department, to whom operative treatment in specialized replantation center could not be performed. Microvasculature of the finger was restored anastomosing microsurgically its artery and vein under operative microscope, and bone fracture was stabilized intramedullary with Kirschner wires. In both cases vitality of the finger was restored, which enabled proper healing of soft tissues and bone, leading to restoration of satisfactory function of the thumb. Due to high value for the function of the hand, thumb injuries threading with its loss should be managed primarily. Due to small vessel diameter those procedures require special instrumentation and trained personnel, and thus shouldbe done in replantation centers. Nevertheless, when treatment in an appropriate center is unavailable, those procedures could also be successfully performed by trained orthopedists.