Abstract
Replantation still remains the best form of reconstruction following major upper limb
amputations. Regaining a functional limb is a challenge in avulsion amputations when
there is entire loss of a compartment as it happens in proximal third of forearm amputations
or when the avulsion occurs through the musculotendinous junction. In these circumstances,
primary repair of the long flexors or extensors is not possible and options of secondary
tendon transfers do not exist due to lack of donor tendons. These factors could weigh
in negatively in making the decision for replantation at the time of presentation.
We are presenting a series of 5 cases of avulsion amputation of the forearm wherein
the functional outcome was enhanced by secondary Free Functional Muscle transfers
(FFMT) using gracilis for finger flexion. Outcome scores improved from Chen IV to
II in three patients and to III in two patients. The feasibility of gaining useful
outcome through secondary procedures like FFMT should serve as an encouragement to
extend the indications for replantation in avulsion amputations of the forearm.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 04, 2019
Footnotes
☆This paper is part of a Supplement supported by the European Federation of Societies of Microsurgery (EFSM) and the Serbian Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (SSRM).
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
