What Is Limb Replantation?
Limb replantation is a complex microsurgical procedure that reattaches or "replants" your severed limbs. Most patients need limb replantation within hours of experiencing traumatic injuries.
Hand and microsurgeon specialists can replant some severed limbs, depending on your injury. Replantation is more common for upper extremities like arms, hands, and fingers. It is less common for lower extremities. While replantation is usually more successful with sharp injures, some types of crush or avulsion (tear) injuries can also be treated successfully.
Our hand surgeons have a vast experience in replantation. Replantation requires knowledge to repair a lot of different areas:
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Bony injury
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Muscle and tendon injury
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Vascular injury
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Nerve injury
All components of the severed limb must be repaired to have a good outcome. Additional secondary reconstruction surgery is required to restore your limb to maximal function.
The hand surgeons in plastic and reconstructive surgery at University of Utah ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ are experts in these types of reconstructive procedures. We will help take care of you for months to years following your injury to ensure you have the best possible outcome.
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What is Microsurgery?
Microsurgery is more than just small surgery. Microsurgery is short for microvascular surgery and refers to connecting blood vessels that are 1–2 millimeters in diameter. Reconnecting blood vessels is a key part of limb replantation. The digit, hand, or arm that was traumatically amputated must have blood flow restored. Your hand surgeon connects your small blood vessels, arteries, and veins to restore blood flow. Your nerves must also be reconnected to regain sensation. Nerves are small structure that require microsurgery.
Hear From Our Patients
U of U ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Surgeon Helps BYU Piano Performance Student Return to the Keys After Reconstructive Hand Surgery
Jaclyn Perkins, a BYU student, nearly cut one of her fingers off, which could have ended her pianist career. However, with the reconstructive surgery expertise of Dr. Isak Goodwin, she was able to play her beloved piano again.