Primary vein grafting in treatment of ring avulsion injuries: a 5-year prospective study

Acellular Human Placenta Small-Diameter Vessels as a Favorable Source of Super-Microsurgical Vascular Replacements: A Proof of Concept

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the human placenta as a source of blood vessels that can be harvested for vascular graft fabrication in the submillimeter range. Our approach included graft modification to prevent thrombotic events. Submillimeter arterial grafts harvested from the human placenta were decellularized and chemically crosslinked to heparin. Graft performance was evaluated using a microsurgical arteriovenous loop (AVL) model in Lewis rats. Specimens were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin and CD31 staining of histological sections to analyze host cell immigration and vascular remodeling. Graft patency was determined 3 weeks after implantation using a vascular patency test, histology, and micro-computed tomography. A total of 14 human placenta submillimeter vessel grafts were successfully decellularized and implanted into AVLs in rats. An appropriate inner diameter to graft length ratio of 0.81 ± 0.16 mm to 7.72 ± 3.20 mm was achieved in all animals. Grafts were left in situ for a mean of 24 ± 4 days. Decellularized human placental grafts had an overall patency rate of 71% and elicited no apparent immunological responses. Histological staining revealed host cell immigration into the graft and re-endothelialization of the vessel luminal surface. This study demonstrates that decellularized vascular grafts from the human placenta have the potential to serve as super-microsurgical vascular replacements.

Systematic Review of Replant Salvage and Cost Utility Analysis of Inpatient Monitoring After Digit Replantation

PURPOSE

Digit replantation is a high-stakes procedure that has been shown to be cost-effective, especially for multiple-digit replantation. However, it is associated with prolonged lengths of stay (LOS) for monitoring and attempts at salvage. The cost-effectiveness of prolonged inpatient stays presumes that this is necessary and inherent to the replantation. We hypothesized that prolonged monitoring of replanted digits, in the hope of possible salvage after primary failure, is cost-ineffective due to the low rates of vascular compromise and salvage after replantation.

METHODS

Using previously published data comparing quality adjusted life years lost after traumatic digit amputation versus digit replantation, we devised a cost utility model to evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of inpatient monitoring. To determine rates of vascular compromise and salvage after digit replantation, we performed a systematic review of the literature through MEDLINE and SCOPUS database searches to identify relevant articles on digital replantation since 1990. Cost-effectiveness was stratified based on the number of digits replanted.

RESULTS

Fewer than 9% of replanted digits both experience vascular compromise and are successfully salvaged. Adjusting for this, inpatient monitoring for single-digit and thumb replantation becomes cost-ineffective after 1 day of admission and monitoring for multiple-digit replantation becomes cost-ineffective after 2 days of admission.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, prolonged admissions for inpatient monitoring quickly become cost-ineffective, especially with relatively low rates of salvage. Surgeons should avoid extended hospitalizations for replant monitoring and should pursue enhanced recovery protocols for replantation, especially considering burgeoning health care costs in the United States.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Economic/Decision Analysis III.

Clinical Outcomes in Ring Avulsion Fingers and Systematic Review of the Literature

Ring avulsions continue to be a challenge in reconstructive surgery. We conducted a retrospective study and reviewed all Urbaniak-Kay type IV degloving injuries replanted at our institution between 2011 and 2018. A systematic review of the literature was also conducted to assess the survival rates, functional, and sensibility outcomes. The results of our systematic review outline a survival rate of 79.50% (101/127). With 1 artery being repaired, 79% of the fingers survived, a value that increased to 87.50% when 2 arteries were anastomosed (P = 0.484). Statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) were found when comparing the survival rates of the fingers with 2 or more veins repaired (87%) with those with only 1 vein anastomosed (51.90%). In terms of nerve reconstruction, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) with the 2-point discrimination test in favor of the reconstructed group when nerve reparation was done (10.80 mm ± 2.95 mm) versus when digital nerves were not repaired (15.25 mm ± 0.50 mm). Fingers after secondary procedures did not obtain better mobility. The mean total active motion in nonreoperated fingers was 221 degrees (195-270 degrees), whereas the total active motion in the cases who received secondary surgeries was 152 degrees (110-195 degrees), with statistically significant differences (P = 0.02). Therefore, we recommend attempting replantation of degloved fingers. All efforts must be done to carry out 2 vein anastomoses, and our results strongly recommend attempting at least some kind of nerve reconstruction. Secondary surgeries should be reserved for selected cases only, because of the extensive scarring in this kind of injuries. Early mobilization protocols must be encouraged to achieve a good functional result.

Tendon function after replantation of complete thumb avulsion amputations

BACKGROUND

Tendon avulsion at the musculotendinous junction caused by digit avulsion amputation is still a challenging problem. We aimed to compare the tendon functional outcomes of two repair methods for tendon avulsion rupture at the musculotendinous junction in patients with complete thumb avulsion amputations.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate patients with complete thumb avulsion amputations whose tendons were repaired through reattachment to muscle (group I) or tendon transfer (group II) between July 2008 and October 2019. Outcomes of total range of motion, pinch strength, grip strength and reoperation rate were included.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean follow-up of 16.6 ± 4.2 months. Total active range of motion was comparable between groups I and II (P = 0.095). Pinch strength of group I was lower than group II (P = 0.001). The result of grip strength was found to be similar (P = 0.075). In addition, there was no significant difference in reoperation rate (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tendon transfer can attain higher pinch strength for replantation of thumb avulsion amputations. It is recommended for patients with jobs that demand higher strength.

Practical Tips to Improve Efficiency and Success in Upper Limb Replantation

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After reading this article, participant should be able to: 1. Describe the technique of replantation for very distal amputation of the digit and salvage procedures for venous drainage. 2. Perform single-digit replantation after viewing the videos. 3. Recognize appropriate cases for joint salvage techniques in periarticular amputation at each joint of the digit and wrist. 4. Outline the methods of flexor and extensor tendon reconstruction in an avulsed amputation of the digit or thumb. 5. Understand the order of digital replantation and transpositional replantation for a restoration of pinch or grip in multiple-digit amputation.

SUMMARY

This article provides practical tips and caveats for the latest replantation surgical techniques for digit, hand, and upper extremity amputation. Four videos, clinical photographs, and drawings highlight important points of operative technique and outcomes of replantation.

Finger and thumb replantation: From biomechanics to practical surgical applications

Finger and thumb amputations, which are always dramatic injuries with major functional and psychological repercussions, remain a surgical challenge. This review on digit replantation develops the underlying biomechanical and surgical aspects as well as practical indications. The different stages from trauma to postoperative monitoring are described. We describe the steps to follow from theory to practice in order to optimize the surgical acts that must as effective possible in terms of management and decision-making efficiency. Indications recognized as standards such as thumb amputation, multi-digit amputations and distal amputations are detailed, as well as the more controversial ring finger replantations. The challenge of successful finger and thumb replantation lies in searching for the best functional and cosmetic outcome and not performing irrelevant microsurgical manipulations.

Alternative to Vein Grafts for Arterial Repair in Avulsion Amputations of Thumb: Case Series

The first reimplantation of a complete thumb amputation using microvascular anastomosis in a human was successfully conducted by Komatsu in 1968. Avulsion amputations of the thumb at the level of metacarpophalangeal joints pose a tedious task for direct arterial repair, even with adequate bone shortening. Owing to the short length of princeps pollicis from the deep arch, tight working space in the first web under microscope, and the associated intimal injuries, we advise transposing the radial indices artery in such cases which gives adequate length and noninjured artery for a tension-free repair. Using this method, surgeons can avoid the tedious task of vein grafts for arterial repair, reduce the operating time, and improve successful outcomes in thumb reimplantations.

Complete ring finger avulsion: Review of 16 years of cases at a Hand Emergency Unit

Replanting complete ring avulsion injuries remains a challenge for hand surgeons. The prognosis depends on achieving satisfactory function. We present the results of our 16 years' experience with managing this type of injury. Our cohort consisted of 83 cases of complete ring avulsion injuries in patients with an average age of 23.5 years, treated in a Hand Emergency Unit between 1998 and 2014. Seventy-two were replanted. A vein graft was used in 57 cases to bridge the arterial injury and direct anastomosis was performed in 15 cases. Forty-one cases were a microsurgical success. Twenty-four patients were reviewed with an average follow-up of 87 months. The mean of total active motion was 164°, with 64° range of motion in the proximal interphalangeal joint on average. The two-point discrimination for sensitivity averaged 6mm. Two cases of severe cold intolerance were noted. Using a graft for vascular repair increases the odds of microsurgical success. The functional outcome depends on the condition of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Cold intolerance and lack of sensitivity have little effect on the functional outcome and patient satisfaction. Replantation of complete digital avulsion injuries should be attempted. Amputation at the metacarpal base is better discussed later on, after the initial surgery.

Ring Avulsion Injuries: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Ring avulsion injuries can range from soft tissue injury to complete amputation. Grading systems have been developed to guide treatment, but there is controversy with high-grade injuries. Traditionally, advanced ring injuries have been treated with completion amputation, but there is evidence that severe ring injuries can be salvaged. The purpose of this systematic review was to pool the current published data on ring injuries.

METHODS

A systematic review of the English literature published from 1980 to 2015 in PubMed and MEDLINE databases was conducted to identify patients who underwent treatment for ring avulsion injuries.

RESULTS

Twenty studies of ring avulsion injuries met the inclusion criteria. There were a total of 572 patients reported with ring avulsion injuries. The Urbaniak class breakdown was class I (54 patients), class II (204 patients), and class III (314 patients). The average total arc of motion (TAM) for patients with a class I injury was 201.25 (n = 40). The average 2-point discrimination was 5.6 (n = 10). The average TAM for patients with a class II injury undergoing microsurgical revascularization was 187.0 (n = 114), and the average 2-point discrimination was 8.3 (n = 40). The average TAM for patients with a class III injury undergoing microsurgical revascularization was 168.2 (n = 170), and the average 2-point discrimination was 10.5 (n = 97).

CONCLUSIONS

Ring avulsion injuries are commonly classified with the Urbaniak class system. Outcomes are superior for class I and II injuries, and there are select class III injuries that can be treated with replantation. Shared decision making with patients is imperative to determine whether replantation is appropriate.

Techniques and survival incidence for revascularization of degloved fingers

We report techniques and survival incidence of three subtotally and nine completely degloved fingers in seven patients. We performed end-to-end arterial repairs in seven fingers, vein graft repairs for arteries in two fingers, arteriovenous anastomoses in three fingers. End-to-end vein anastomosis was performed in all fingers. One finger requred re-exploration. Soft tissues in the eight degloved fingers survived completely, two failed completely, and two were partially necrotic. We conclude from our results that following revascularization, the skin from a completely degloved finger skin will survive in approximately two cases out of three.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Venous Bridge Arterial Grafting for Thumb Replantation

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to describe a novel technique using an interposition vein graft for thumb replantation in these severe avulsion injuries.

METHODS

From 2002 to 2012, 8 patients underwent interposition venous bridge grafting from the dorsal radial artery at the anatomic snuffbox to the ulnar digital artery of the thumb. All patients had a traumatic thumb amputation with a severe injury to the ulnar digital artery. The technique began with bony stabilization; the radial artery at the anatomic snuffbox is exposed, vein graft harvested, and microsurgical end-to-side (proximally) and end-to-end (distally) anastomoses are carried out.

RESULTS

The average time to the operating room was 7.4 hours and time to reperfusion was 9.5 hours. At 3.1 years of follow-up, all 8 thumbs remained viable, without any need for revision procedures. The only complication was a metacarpal shaft nonunion treated successfully with iliac crest bone grafting. At last follow-up, all patients reported no or mild pain, with an average metacarpophalangeal (MCP) range of motion of 46.5°, and intact but diminished 2-point discrimination. All patients were able to return to work full-time.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the challenging nature of thumb avulsion injuries and the pronated position of the thumb, novel salvage alternatives are important. We describe a technique when no proximal vessels are available, using a vein to bridge the dorsal radial artery to the ulnar digital artery of the thumb. This novel arterial reconstruction has shown promise in thumb replantation associated with severe avulsion injuries.

Microvascular replantation of head and neck amputated parts: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

As opposed to upper and lower extremity amputations representing a considerable volume of admissions, the prowess of microsurgeons is seldom solicited in complex cases of head and neck replantation. Our aim was to determine the rate of successful replantation of craniofacial parts in a systematic review of the literature.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of English literature using PubMed/MEDLINE for every replantation of a head and neck parts. Articles selected for analysis required to describe microvascular surgical techniques to be considered a replantation. The measured endpoint for a successful replantation was survival at hospital discharge.

RESULTS

From 113 articles from the literature, reported cases of replanted craniofacial parts included 90 scalps, 56 ears, 34 lips, 26 noses, 1 eyebrow, and 1 midface. A significant majority of amputations were described as an avulsion mechanism (78.4%), as opposed to cutting/sharp (17.3%) or crush-type (1.9%). The overall success rate at hospital discharge was 72.1%, with a partial failure at 20.2% and a complete failure at 7.7%.

CONCLUSION

Urgent replantation of head and neck amputated parts allow patients to recover in a timely manner and to decrease the need for secondary reconstructive procedures. The significant rate of success is a strong argument in favor of promoting access to care for replantation of craniofacial parts.

Economic analysis of revision amputation and replantation treatment of finger amputation injuries

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to perform a cost-utility analysis to compare revision amputation and replantation treatment of finger amputation injuries across a spectrum of injury scenarios.

METHODS

The study was conducted from the societal perspective. Decision tree models were created for the reference case (two-finger amputation injury) and seven additional injury scenarios for comparison. Inputs included cost, quality of life, and probability of each health state. A Web-based time trade-off survey was created to determine quality-adjusted life-years for health states; 685 nationally representative adult community members were invited to participate in the survey. Overall cost and quality-adjusted life-years for revision amputation and replantation were calculated for each decision tree. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated if a treatment was more costly but more effective.

RESULTS

The authors had a 64 percent response rate (n = 437). Replantation treatment had greater costs and quality-adjusted life-years compared with revision amputation in all injury scenarios. Replantation of single-digit injuries had the highest incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ($136,400 per quality-adjusted life-year gained). Replantation of three- and four-digit amputation injuries had relatively low cost-to-benefit ratios ($27,100 and $23,800 per quality-adjusted life-year, respectively). Replantation for distal thumb amputation had a relatively low incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ($26,300 per quality-adjusted life-year) compared with replantation of nonthumb distal amputations ($60,200 per quality-adjusted life-year).

CONCLUSIONS

The relative cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained with replantation treatment varied greatly among the injury scenarios. Situations in which indications for replantation are debated had higher cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained. This study highlights variability in value for replantation among different injury scenarios.

Upper extremity replantation: current concepts

BACKGROUND

Upper extremity replantation is a procedure that has revolutionized hand surgery. Since its introduction, a rapid evolution has occurred with a shifting focus from implant survival to optimization of functional outcomes and surgical efficiency. In this review, the current concepts surrounding the indications for replantation, variations in surgical technique, the factors affecting outcomes, and future directions of the specialty are analyzed.

METHODS

A literature review was performed of all recent articles pertaining to digit, hand, and upper extremity replantation surgery. Particular emphasis was placed on comparative studies and recent meta-analyses.

RESULTS

The indications and contraindications for replantation surgery are largely unchanged, with mechanism of injury remaining one of the most important determinants of implant survival. With advances in surgical technique, improved outcomes have been observed with avulsion injuries. Distal tip replantations appear to be more common with improved microsurgical techniques, and for these distal injuries, digital nerve and vein repair may not be necessary. Cold ischemia time for a digit amputation should not preclude transfer to a replantation facility or significantly affect the decision to perform a replantation. However, transferring physicians should thoroughly review the options with patients to prevent unnecessary transfers, which is an area where telemedicine may be useful.

CONCLUSION

This review provides an update on the current concepts of the practice of replantation and the treatment and management of patients with upper extremity amputations.

Results of replantation of 33 ring avulsion amputations

PURPOSE

Despite microsurgical advances, it is still difficult to achieve satisfactory functional results in cases of replantations following complete ring avulsion amputations. Our aim is to report the experience we have collected since the early 1990s in the treatment of this type of injury.

METHODS

We replanted 33 fingers on 33 patients (age, 15-54 y) with complete ring avulsion amputation injuries. Twenty-eight amputations were distal to the insertion of the flexor digitorum superficialis, and 5 were complete degloving injuries with intact tendons. Vascular transpositions and vein grafts were used, and in all cases, only 1 of the digital nerves was repaired.

RESULTS

The 29 successful cases were tracked over an average follow-up of 89 months. The average total active motion of the reconstructed finger was 185°. Sensibility evaluated by static 2-point discrimination varied from 9 to 15 mm and by moving 2-point discrimination from 8 to 15 mm. Five patients complained of cold intolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of the avulsed digital artery and vein is the most crucial part of the procedure.Vessels reconstruction can be performed using various methods, but vessel transfers from the middle finger appear to be the most reliable solution. The outcome of the cases demonstrates that replantation should be attempted.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Replantation of a circumferentially degloved ring finger by venous arterializations

Treatment of ring degloving injuries of the finger is one of the most demanding problems in hand surgery. Replantation has been advocated as the best solution if the vessels belonging to the degloved skin are not irreversibly destroyed. We present a case involving a ring finger with circumferentially avulsed skin. Debridement under microscopy showed that the peeled skin did not retain any arteries, but did have various superficial veins of good caliber. The neurovascular bundles of the finger remained in situ and did not appear to be disrupted. The degloved finger survived uneventfully by venous arterialization, retaining excellent function and appearance.

Finger replantations after ring avulsion amputations

The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess vascular repair modalities and function in type IV ring finger replantations. Thirty-seven of 43 patients with complete ring avulsion amputations were replanted. After resection of the damaged arterial segments under microscopic magnification the arterial flow pattern was evaluated. The type of repair was chosen according to the adequacy of arterial flow and the defect between the vessels. The methods of bridging the arterial defect consisted of digital artery transfer from adjacent digit in 21 fingers, vein graft interposition in six fingers and end to end anastomosis in ten fingers. Thirty-one of the 37 fingers survived. The failures were due to four arterial and two venous insufficiencies. In our opinion, radical resection of damaged zones of vessels is important to evaluate the proximal flow pattern and decide which treatment modality is necessary for healthy vascular anastomosis.

Replantation of finger avulsion injuries: a systematic review of survival and functional outcomes

PURPOSE

Recent studies presenting functional outcomes after replantation of finger avulsion injuries have challenged the historical practice of performing revision amputation for all complete finger avulsion injuries. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the English literature of replantation of finger avulsion injuries to provide best evidence of survival rates and functional outcomes.

METHODS

A Medline literature search yielded 1,398 studies, using key words "traumatic amputation" or "replantation", with limitation to humans and finger injuries. Inclusion criteria required that studies meet the following requirements: (1) primary data are presented; (2) the study includes at least 5 cases with either complete or incomplete finger avulsion injuries at or distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint; (3) the study presents survival rates, total active arc of motion (TAM), or static 2-point discrimination (2PD) data; (4) data for incomplete and complete avulsions are reported separately; (5) patients are treated with microvascular revascularization or replantation. Survival rates, TAM, and 2PD data were recorded and a weighted mean of each was calculated.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these 32 studies, all reported survival outcomes, 13 studies reported TAM (metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal), and 9 studies reported sensibility. The mean survival rate for complete finger and thumb avulsions having replantation was 66% (n = 442). The mean TAM of complete finger avulsions after successful replantation was 174° (n = 75), with a large number of patients in the included studies having arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint. The mean 2PD in patients after replantation was 10 mm (n = 32).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that functional outcomes of sensibility and range of motion after replantation of finger avulsion injuries are better than what is historically cited in the literature. The results of this systematic review challenge the practice of performing routine revision amputation of all complete finger avulsion injuries.

Ring avulsion injury with rupture of both digital arteries despite a completely intact skin envelope

A rare case of ring avulsion injury with avulsion of both digital arteries yet without external soft tissue, tendon or skeletal injury in a 29 year-old man is reported.