Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine the characteristics and surgical outcomes of elderly patients undergoing replantation of severed fingers. We examined 59 cases of severed finger replantation in 54 patients admitted to our hospital. Patients aged over 65 were classified as old patients ( n=17, 18 fingers ), and those under the age of 65 were classified as young patients ( n=37, 41 fingers ). In each case, we examined the status of trauma, the length of the postoperative bed rest period, presence of complications, and rate of functional restoration. In addition, patients with successful replantation were assessed for pain, the presence/absence of cold tolerance, excursion, tactile sensation, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand ( DASH ) score. Old patients experienced proximal and incomplete amputations more frequently than young patients. The postoperative bed rest period was shorter for old patients than for young patients. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of severe perioperative complications or rate of functional restoration. Although excursion of the replanted fingers was poorer in old patients, the other outcome measures were similar in old and young patients.
