Summary
Soft-tissue complications in the replantation wound, either septic or non-septic,
are the main cause of failure in major extremity replantations. In the presence of
necrosis or infection, vascular errosion or thrombosis readily develops and can lead
to limb loss. Very aggressive surgical treatment has been recommended to salvage the
replanted limb in these highly unstable clinical situations. Over a 10-year period,
423 amputated parts were replanted, 56 of which were replants proximal to the wrist.
The experience of the author in treating 11 cases of critical soft-tissue necrosis
(four septic and seven non-septic) after major replantation of the upper extremity
with aggressive debridement and flap coverage, is reported. All flaps and limbs survived.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 10, 2007
Accepted:
March 7,
2007
Received:
October 9,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
