As a result of work or activity around machinery, power tools, sharp objects, and heavy objects, severe crushing injuries to the fingers, hands, or arms as well as amputations (such as severing a finger or hand to the point that it is partially or fully detached from the body) are unfortunately a common traumatic injury.
Replants
When one of these traumatic injuries occur, physicians make every effort to save the injured fingers, hands, and arms to provide the opportunity to restore function to the injured area. In many cases physicians are able to re-attach the appendage, which is often referred to as a replant or replantation.
In the case of replants, skilled surgery to carefully reattach blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and ligaments can provide the foundation for recovery of a large percentage of function. Following the surgery, intense therapy is required to care for the wound, decrease sensitivity (pain management), increase range of motion and strength in the reattached appendage, and improve function.
The patient’s motivation during therapy is key to achieving the maximum amount of function that they recover from their injuries. Those who have a strong desire to return to a specific function, task, or sport will often work harder to regain function than those who are not motivated.
We have worked with individuals whose hand or fingers were totally detached in an accident and replanted. Thanks to the skill of the surgeon in reattaching the appendage and the motivation of the individual in working hard in their rehabiltation program, we helped them achieve up to 80% of function in the replanted appendage.
Amputations
Depending upon the severity of the amputation or impact to the finger, hand, or arm, an amputation may be the best medical treatment option.
When a partial or complete amputation of a finger, hand, or arm occurs, your doctor will prescribe a comprehensive rehabilitation program after surgery. This therapy will help in wound healing, scar management, desensitization (pain management), and will improve range of motion, strength, fine motor skills.
As in the case of replants, the patient’s motivation is key to achieving the maximum amount of function that they recover from their injuries. Those who have a strong desire to return to a specific function, task, or sport will often work harder to regain function than those who are not motivated.
We can also assist in recommending and acquiring an appropriate prosthesis which can enable greater function as well as improve the appearance of the hand or arm.