Long-term results of major upper extremity replantations
Abstract
Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 26 male patients (mean age 27 years; range 3 to 69 years) who underwent major upper extremity replantations and had a mean follow-up of 11.3 years (range 5 to 19 years). The levels of the replantations were transmetacarpal (n=6), wrist (n=4), forearm (n=5), elbow (n=4), and arm (n=7). Amputations were of clean-cut, crush, and avulsion types in seven, eight, and 11 patients, respectively. Secondary operations were performed in 19 patients. Functional results were assessed using the Chen’s criteria and the Turkish version of the DASH questionnaire (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) was administered.
Results: The mean surgical shortening was 37.2 mm, and the final mean radiographic shortening was 52.2 mm. The mean grip and pinch strengths on the affected side were 12.3 kg and 3.6 kg, compared to the strengths of 37.6 kg and 8.7 kg on the normal side, respectively. Monofilament testing showed sensory recovery in 20 patients. Two-point discrimination could be made by 18 patients for the median nerve, and by 17 patients for the ulnar nerve. According to the Chen’s criteria, the results were very good or good in 17 patients (65.4%), moderate in three patients (11.5%), and poor in six patients (23.1%). Functional results were correlated with the level (r=0.71) and type (r=0.65) of injury, with injuries at the elbow level and avulsion injuries being associated with a worse outcome. The mean DASH score was 6.7 (range 0 to 32.5) and the mean scores of Chen’s grade I-II and grade III-IV patients differed significantly (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Lower DASH scores show increased satisfaction of the patients and improved use of their replanted extremities as the helper arm whereby functional deficiency is somewhat compensated.
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Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Tahir Sadik Sugun
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Kemal Ozaksar
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Sait Ada
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Firdevs Kul
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Fuat Ozerkan
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İbrahim Kaplan
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Yalcin Ademoglu
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Murat Kayalar
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Emin Bal
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Tulgar Toros
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Aslan Bora
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Publication Date
August 10, 2009
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2009 Volume: 43 Number: 3