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J Reconstr Microsurg 2006; 22(1): 015-020
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-931901
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Salvage of Amputated Upper Extremities with Temporary Ectopic Implantation Followed by Replantation at a Second Stage

Jiang-Ning Wang1 , Zhi-Hong Tong2 , Tie-Hui Zhang2 , Shou-Yu Wang1 , Hong-Quan Zhang2 , Gui-Qing Zhao1 , Feng Zhang3
  • 1Department of Plastic Surgery, Dalian University Hospital, Dalian, China
  • 2Center Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian, China
  • 3Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted: September 20, 2005

Publication Date:
19 January 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Salvage of the complex amputation of extremities, such as combined with devastating segmental injuries, extensive soft tissue defect, and multiple important organ injuries, continues to be a challenge for plastic surgeons. Temporary ectopic implantation of the amputated part to a healthy recipient site allows the patient to recover from critical combined injuries, radical debridements, and soft tissue repair. In this article, the authors report two cases of temporary ectopic implantation of complexly amputated forearms, followed by successful replantation to their anatomic positions at a second stage. The contralateral upper extremity is an acceptable recipient site for temporary ectopic implantation. In secondary replantation, a cross-arm flap can be designed to carry the vascular pedicle from the ectopic implantation recipient to improve blood supply to the replanted part when the second blood supply is established. The authors validated that temporary ectopic implantation of amputated parts provides an alternative procedure for the salvage of amputated extremities under special circumstances.

KEYWORDS

Replantation - ectopic implantation - extremity - amputation

REFERENCES

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Feng ZhangM.D. Ph.D. 

Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center

2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216

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