An Alternative Technique for Microsurgically Unreplantable Fingertip Amputations

Outcomes of Composite Grafts for Pediatric Fingertip Amputations: A Systematic Review

Introduction  The aim of this study was to explore the outcomes of composite grafts in fingertip amputations in children as well as the contributing factors that may affect outcomes. Methods  Literature search was conducted across six databases in March 2022 to select studies on the use of composite grafts on fingertip amputations in the pediatric population. Results  Twelve articles with 735 composite grafts were identified for review. Most fingertip injuries occurred in the less than 5-year age group and were due to crush type injuries. In studies that reported "complete" graft take as a separate outcome measure, 17.3% of fingertips with this result were observed. In the studies that reported "complete" and "partial" graft take together as an outcome measure, 81.6% of fingertips achieved this outcome. A lower proportion of failed graft take was observed in more distal fingertip amputations. Infection (3.8%) and nail abnormalities (3.4%) were the most common complications following composite grafting. Conclusion  Composite grafting can be considered as a useful method of treatment in this population. Clinicians should be aware of the potential complications following this method of treatment such as infection and nail abnormalities. More proximal fingertip amputations may warrant other surgical interventions (beyond Level II on the modified Ishikawa/Ishikawa classification). Significant heterogeneity was observed within the studies, mainly due to lack of standardization in assessment and reporting of outcomes.

What Is the Minimum Number of Sutures for Microvascular Anastomosis during Replantation?

As vessel diameter decreases, reperfusion after anastomosis becomes more difficult. When a blood vessel is sutured, its inner diameter becomes narrower owing to the thickness of the suture material and the number of sutures. To minimize this, we attempted replantation using a 2-point suture technique. We reviewed cases of arterial anastomosis in vessels with a diameter of less than 0.3 mm during replantation performed over a four-year period. In all cases, close observation was followed by absolute bed rest. If reperfusion was not achieved, a tie-over dressing was applied, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy was administered in the form of a composite graft. Of the 21 replantation cases, 19 were considered successful. Furthermore, the 2-point suture technique was performed in 12 cases, of which 11 survived. When three or four sutures were performed in nine patients, eight of these cases survived. Composite graft conversion was found in three cases in which the 2-point suture technique was used, and two of these cases survived. The survival rate was high in cases where 2-point sutures were used, and there were few cases of conversion to a composite graft. Reducing the number of sutures aids in optimizing reperfusion.

Non-microsurgical Composite Grafting for Acute Management of Fingertip Amputation

Following a fingertip amputation, if vessels are present and of adequate condition, microsurgical replantation is the preferred technique for management. Composite grafting has a limited role in the management of fingertip amputations due to its unreliable nature but can be an option when an amputated fingertip is not replantable and the patient desires restoration of fingertip length and aesthetics. When composite grafting is selected as the treatment of choice for a particular patient, there are methods of optimizing the chances of graft revascularization and survival, including early grafting, graft cooling, and a moist wound healing environment.

Composite grafts for fingertip amputations: A systematic review protocol

Background

There is much debate in the hand surgery literature as to the management of fingertip amputations. Much research continues to be published in this area. Methods of reattachment include microsurgical and non-microsurgical (composite graft) replantation. The role of composite grafts lacks clarity in terms of outcomes, success rates and complications. Hence there is a need for an evidence synthesis, which can guide patient selection, the consent process and determine graft survival rates and functional outcomes to optimise patient outcomes.

Methods

Search of the databases OVID MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, The Cochrane Library and clinical trial registries from inception using terms "fingertip" "digital tip" "digit" "finger" "thumb" "amputation" "replantation" "reattachment" "reimplantation" and "composite graft" as key terms with "AND" selected as a Boolean operator, limited to humans will be conducted by two independent researchers. The patient population will include adults and children. Studies will be included if they report: (1) primary data; (2) outcomes of 'composite grafts' or 'nonmicrosurgical replantations'; (3) graft survival, (4) 5 or more cases. Articles will be excluded if surgical techniques involve: (1) composite graft pocketing, or (2) microsurgical replantation or (3) additional flaps (pulp or local). Full exclusion and inclusion criteria are described within this protocol. Data extraction will include; demographic details, patient comorbidities, amputation nature and level, functional, and aesthetic outcomes, complications and need for secondary procedures. All data extracted will be cross-checked, and discrepancies resolved through consensus.

Dissemination

This review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented at national and international conferences to inform the practice of other clinicians.

Analysis of the risk factors that determine composite graft survival for fingertip amputation

The composite graft is the only surgical method that is able to maintain digital length and provide soft tissue coverage without donor site morbidities in microsurgically non-replantable fingertip amputations. This study aimed to explore the risk factors that determine the survival of composite grafts. Clinical characteristics associated with graft survival were retrospectively analysed by a comparison between the graft survival and failure groups. Of 94 patients who underwent a composite graft for fingertip amputation, the graft survived in 84 (89%). Surviving grafts showed reperfusion within 1 week. Multivariate analysis revealed that graft failure was independently associated with a crushing injury. Based on the risk factors from the comparison analyses and a review of previously published studies, a cutting injury, grafting the injured finger within 5 hours of injury, and being a non-smoker are associated with good results. In these circumstances, excellent outcomes with a high success rate can be achieved by composite graft in most adult patients as an alternative treatment to microsurgical replantation. Level of evidence: IV.

Composite Grafts for Pediatric Fingertip Amputations: A Retrospective Case Series of 100 Patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Fingertip amputations are common. This study reports on the outcomes of composite grafts used for fingertip amputations in children, measuring graft take, predictors of graft take, complications, and patient-reported outcomes.

Methods:

A retrospective case series of consecutive patients (≤ 16 years) undergoing composite grafts for fingertip amputations in a tertiary pediatric hospital, January 06 to December 16, was performed. Information was collected on amputations, graft take, and complications. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors predicting graft take (partial/complete or failure) including age; amputation level; mechanism and time delay to surgery. Patients were contacted via post or telephone to ask about functional and cosmetic outcomes and their perception of graft take.

Results:

One hundred patients [57 (57%) males; mean age, 4.41 ± 3.98 years], presenting with 100 fingertip amputations, met the inclusion criteria. Amputation mechanism was crush in 75 (75%), avulsion in 13 (13%), and laceration in 12 (13%). Thirteen (13%) composite grafts survived completely, 46 (46%) partially, and 41 (41%) failed. Graft survival was higher in children under 4 years (P = 0.016). Seventeen (17%) grafts became infected, 9 (9%) required a reoperation, 9 (9%) had wound healing complications, and 4 (4%) patients developed psychological complications. Patient-reported survival was 33% higher than medical-reported survival. Cosmetic issues were the commonest complication reported by patients. Patients rated fingertips looking 3.5/5 normal, and that they were 4/5 satisfied with the appearance. Most patients were using their fingers normally by 2–6 months.

Conclusions:

Composite grafts for fingertip amputations mostly only partially survive, but morbidity is low, patient satisfaction is high, and acceptable cosmetic and functional outcomes are achieved.

Digital Tip Amputations from the Perspective of the Nail

The management strategy proposed herein for fingertip amputations advocates secondary healing with preservation of appearance as well as function. Conservative healing is more likely to result in a sensate, nontender, and cosmetically acceptable fingertip compared to surgical management in many clinical scenarios. This manuscript examines in detail the extent of fingertip injury and defines the relationship of injury to final fingertip outcome. A classification is presented, which allows adequate initial counseling regarding prognosis, and predicts the need for secondary corrective surgery.

Injuries to appendage extremities and digit tips: A clinical and cellular update

BACKGROUND

The regrowth of amputated appendage extremities and the distal tips of digits represent models of tissue regeneration in multiple vertebrate taxa. In humans, digit tip injuries, including traumatic amputation and crush injuries, are among the most common type of injury to the human hand. Despite clinical reports demonstrating natural regeneration of appendages in lower vertebrates and human digits, current treatment options are suboptimal, and are complicated by the anatomical complexities and functions of the different tissues within the digits.

RESULTS

In light of these challenges, we focus on recent advancements in understanding appendage regeneration from model organisms. We pay special attention to the cellular programs underlying appendage regeneration, where cumulative data from salamanders, fish, frogs, and mice indicate that regeneration occurs by the actions of lineage-restricted precursors. We focus on pathologic states and the interdependency that exists, in both humans and animal models, between the nail organ and the peripheral nerves for successful regeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased understanding of regeneration in animal models may open new opportunities for basic and translational research aimed at understanding the mechanisms that support limb regeneration, as well as amelioration of limb abnormalities and pathologies.

Innervated digital artery perforator flap

PURPOSE

To describe a technique for covering defects of the fingertips: the innervated digital artery perforator (IDAP) flap.

METHODS

A total of 17 patients were treated with an IDAP flap. The size of the flaps varied between 2 ×1 cm and 3.5 × 2 cm. Postoperative evaluation of the patients consisted of the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test, static 2-point discrimination, patient satisfaction, extension loss, and an investigation into complications.

RESULTS

All IDAP flaps survived completely, and no patients required secondary interventions. The mean follow-up period was 7 months (range, 6-10 mo). The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test results ranged from 3.22 to 3.84. The static 2-point discrimination in the flaps ranged from 2 mm to 4 mm (mean, 3.4 mm) compared with a range of 2 mm to 3 mm (mean, 2.7 mm) on the contralateral hand. There were no joint contractures in the reconstructed fingertips, although 2 patients developed mild hook nail deformity. One patient experienced mild cold intolerance, and 1 patient exhibited mild postoperative hypersensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

The advantages of the IDAP flap include minimally invasive surgery; a reliable, versatile flap; and the ease of the technique for different-sized fingertip defect reconstructions with few complications. The IDAP flap may be useful in fingertip amputations when the amputated part is not suitable for replantation.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Treatment of fingertip amputation in adults by palmar pocketing of the amputated part

Background

First suggested by Brent in 1979, the pocket principle is an alternative method for patients for whom a microsurgical replantation is not feasible. We report the successful results of a modified palmar pocket method in adults.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2008, we treated 10 patients by nonmicrosurgical replantation using palmar pocketing. All patients were adults who sustained a complete fingertip amputation from the tip to lunula in a digits. In all of these patients, the amputation occurred due to a crush or avulsion-type injury, and a microsurgical replantation was not feasible. We used the palmar pocketing method following a composite graft in these patients and prepared the pocket in the subcutaneous layer of the ipsilateral palm.

Results

Of a total of 10 cases, nine had complete survival of the replantation and one had 20% partial necrosis. All of the cases were managed to conserve the fingernails, which led to acceptable cosmetic results.

Conclusions

A composite graft and palmar pocketing in adult cases of fingertip injury constitute a simple, reliable operation for digital amputation extending from the tip to the lunula. These methods had satisfactory results.

Bilateral V-Y rotation advancement flap for fingertip amputations

BACKGROUND

Fingertip amputation is the most common type of injury in the upper limb. Goals in fingertip amputation reconstruction are covering the defect, establishing maximum tactile gnosis, keeping the length of the finger, protecting the joint function, acquiring a well-padded pulp tissue, providing a bed for growing nail, obtaining a satisfactory cosmetic appearance and allowing the patient to return to work as soon as possible. Adjacent skin and soft tissue are the best covers for fingertip injuries. However, local homodigital flaps lack enough tissue to cover the defect. To solve this problem, we used V-Y rotation advancement flap bilaterally in fingertip amputations which meets all the reconstruction goals. Rotation besides advancement makes this flap more mobile and easier to cover larger defects in all amputation planes.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2009, we performed bilateral V-Y rotation advancement flap on seven male patients' pulpa (average age, 37.6 years) whose fingertips were not replantable.

RESULTS

Fourteen flaps were made on 7 fingers. There was neither total nor partial flap loss. Patients had neither cold intolerance nor scar hypersensitivity. Stiffness of the PIP joint did not occur. No obvious hooked nail occurred in patients who have remaining nail matrix. Because flaps contain neurovascular bundle, there was no difference in sensation and perfusion between the finger's pre-operative and post-operative status. The result was satisfactory with painless pinching.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the various and versatile fingertip reconstruction methods, we want to present V-Y rotation advancement flap as a quick, reliable and aesthetic method.

New technique for non-microsurgical reattachment of avulsed fingertips in adults

Abstract Fifteen patients (aged 21-45 years) with avulsion injuries to a fingertip were reviewed. We report a new technique, in which the subcutaneous pulp flap is combined with the cap technique of the nail complex, for avulsed fingertips in adults. The bone of the avulsed part is excised and the fat removed. The nail complex is preserved, and the subcutaneous pulp flap used to improve the take at the cap-nail complex. This technique is simple, safe, and cost and time effective. It is a good option for repair of an avulsed fingertip.