Abstract
We investigated time-course sensory recovery after amputated digit replantation.
Subjects were 10 patients with complete amputation of the distal phalanx of the finger undergoing replantation between September 2006 and September 2009 and could be followed for one year or longer. There were 9 males and one female, aged 18-64 years (mean: 46). No nerve suture was applied. We also investigated 3 patients after replantation of fingers completely amputated in Tamai's zone III in the same period. All 3 were male and aged 19-38 years (mean: 27). Bilateral nerve suture was applied in all 3. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament sensory tests were performed 3 and 6 months after surgery and every 6 months thereafter. In addition, relationships between the arterial reconstruction method (end-to-end anastomosis or vein graft), presence or absence of nerve suture, and severity of crush with sensory recovery were investigated.
Sensory perception recovered with time, continuing one year after surgery in some patients. No significant difference due to the crush severity or arterial reconstruction method was noted. Sensory recovery was faster in Tamai's zone III cases receiving nerve suture than in the distal phalanx amputation cases, suggesting that earlier recovery is possible by applying nerve suture for Tamai's zone III amputation.
