Replantation eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Replantation of completely amputated digits has been a medical reality since 1961, when Komatstu and Tami first successfully replanted a completely amputated thumb. Amputation of digits is common. Approximately 100,000 digital amputations occur per year in the US. Of these, an estimated 30% are suitable for replantation. The exact number of replantations performed yearly is unknown. However, the number appears to be decreasing, secondary to more rigid selection criteria, improved workplace safety procedures, and better designed protection devices on power tools.
Author: L Andrew Koman, MD 2002