• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 1999

From January 1990 to December 1998, 449 consecutive single-digital replantations were reviewed retrospectively in order to determine the essential number of vascular anastomoses for successful finger replantation. The correlations between the number of anastomosed vessels and survival rate were examined according to the amputated digital levels and all of the correlated results were compared with each other statistically. In zone I, The survival rate of the digits with a repaired vein was higher than that of digits treated with external bleeding method. In zone II, the equal number(s) between the arterial and venous repair was an important factor in successful replantation. And the repaired arteries more than repaired veins in number led to venous congestion and resulted in a failure of replantation, which was maybe due to the large amount of arterial input relative to small volume of amputated stump with small sized vein. In zone III, the equal number(s) between the arterial and venous repair was also an important factor in successful replantation. But unlike in zone II, venous congestion was scarcely happened if the venous drainage was sufficient with a repaired large vein alone. In zone IV, two or more arteries and veins were required for successful replantation. In conclusion, it is desirable that the repair of vessels as many as possible to increase the possibility of a good result. But digital amputations and their condition for replantation were variable, therefore, the numbers in vascular repair should to be modified and straightforward as the case may be.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

Purpose: This retrospective study was to determine the functional results of patients who were amputated of their fingertip between patients who were treated with replantation and patients who were treated with thenar flap. Materials and Methods: From 2004 to 2007, we identified and operated 159 patients who were diagnosed with fingertip amputations. Of 159 patients, Eighty-two patients were treated by replantation (67 in men and 14 in women) and the mean age at the operation was 41 years (range, 15-68 years). Seventy-nine patients was treated with thenar flap(54 in men and 25 in women) and the mean age at the operation was 43 years(range, 21-70 years). We compared variables between two groups including, age, gender, diagnosis, duration of hospital admission, grip strength, two-point discrimination, Semmes Weinstein monofilament test, active range of motion (ROM) of the proximal and distal interphalangeal (PIP and DIP) joint, pain (or tenderness), paresthesia, cold intolerance, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and finger for activities of daily living (ADLs). Results: The duration of admission was longer in Replantation group than in Thenar flap group(p=0.001). However, the grip strength (p=0.003) and Semmes Weinstein monofilament test (p=0.029) in the Replanation group were statistically superior to the Thenar flap group. The average DASH disability (p=0.003)/symptom score (p=0.007) and ADLs (p<0.001) in the Replantation group was statistically better. In addition, cold intoleranace test of Thenar flap group is worse than the Replantation group. Conclusion: This study demonstrate that fingertip replantation have demonstrated not only to obtain the best appearance but also to gain better functional outcome. However, it is impossible to perform replatation, the thenar flap can be limited alternative method for fingertip amputation in aspect of preservation of range of motion and hospitalization time.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.614-618
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• 2015

Background Hand strength deficit following digital replantation is usually attributed to the mechanical deficiency of the replanted digit. Zone 1 replantation, however, should not be associated with any mechanical deficit, as the joint and tendon are intact. We evaluate shortterm motor functions in patients who have undergone single-digit zone 1 replantation. Methods A single-institution retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent zone 1 replantation. Hand and pinch strengths were evaluated using standard dynamometers. Each set of measurements was pooled according to follow-up periods (within 1 month, 1 to 2 months, 2 to 3 months, and after 3 months). The uninjured hand was used as reference for measurements. Results The review identified 53 patients who had undergone zone 1 replantation and presented for follow-up visits. Compared to the uninjured hand, dynamometer measurements revealed significantly less strength for the hand with replanted digit at one month. The relative mean grip, pulp, and key pinch strength were 31%, 46%, and 48% of the uninjured hand. These three strength measurements gradually increased, with relative strength measurements of 59%, 70%, and 78% for 4-month follow up. Conclusions Despite the lack of joint or tendon injury, strength of the injured hand was significantly lower than that of the uninjured hand during the 4 months following replantation. Improved rehabilitation strategies are needed to diminish the short-term negative impact that an isolated zone 1 replantation has on the overall hand strength.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.124-130
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• 2005

In the microsurgical era, replantation with microvascular anastomosis is considered as the most superior method in aspects of texture, color, shape in case of nose amputation. There are some reported cases of replantation in nose amputation historically, but most of them are composite graft cases rather than microvascular anastomosis. Only a few cases of successful nasal replantation with microvascular anastomosis have been reported due to the reason that the size of vessels is usually very small and identifying suitable vessels for anastomosis is difficult. Microanastomosis of artery and microanastomosis of vein are ideal in replantation, but identifying suitable veins is often difficult. Without venous anastomosis, resolving the venous congestion remains to be a problem. We can carry out arteriovenous shunt if we can find two arteries in amputee. However, the smaller the size of amputee is, the more difficult it is to find two arteries. Instead of arteriovenous shunt, we can try external venous drainage(frequently swab, pin-prick, stab incision, IV or local heparin injection, dropping, apply of heparin-soaked gauze, use of medical leech). Here, we present three cases of replantation with microscopical arterial anastomosis (one angular artery, two dorsal nasal arteries) and external venous drainage (stab incision, application of medical leech and heparin-soaked gauze) even though the size of amputee may be as small as $1.5{\times}1.0cm$. In all cases, surgical outcomes were excellent in cosmetic and functional aspects. This report describes successful replantation by microvasular anastomosis in case that suitable veins are not found.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.27-30
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• 2009

Purpose: Recently, replantation of fingertip amputation, Zone I by Yamano classification, is still difficult because digital arteries branch into small arteries and also digital veins are hard to separate from the immobile soft tissue. However the replantation of fingertip in adults is a well-established procedure, but the replantation in infant or child is still uncommon. Therefore we present one case of replantation of the fingertip of the small finger in 12-months-old patient. Methods: We experienced a 12-months-old male amputation of small finger. It had been amputated completely at the level of Zone I by Yamano classification. Replantation was performed using the arteryonly technique with neither vein nor nerve repair. Because the artery has been damaged, it is still possible to make a direct suture by transposing the arterial arch in an inverted Y to I arterial configuration. Venous drainage was provided by an external bleeding method with partial nail excision and repaired margin for approximately 7 days. Results: We were performed replantation in infant with only-arterial anastomosis successfully, result in good recovery of aesthetic and functional outcome. Conclusion: In conclusion, although fingertip injury was difficult to replantation in infant and child, we must try it. Because of its functional and cosmetic advantage.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.10-14
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• 1999

Ear reconstruction is very difficult to perform and often results in a devastating deformity. The use of microsurgical replantation techniques has allowed very favorable anesthetic results. We report a case of a partial ear replantation without venous repair with the use of medicinal leeches to decompress the acute venous congestion during the postoperative care. The medicinal leech therapy can be very useful in a partial ear replantation in cases with no venous repair.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.54 no.8
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• pp.592-603
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• 2016

Pathologic tooth migration (PTM) caused by periodontal disease is a relatively common disease with a prevalance rate of 30~55%. It is one of the reasons for periodontal treatment of patients. PTM occurs when various factors related to the position of the tooth are altered and clinical features of PTM include facial flaring, diastema, proximal tilting, rotation, and extrusion of teeth. The purpose of this study was to assess the treatment of teeth of hopeless prognosis through the practice of modified intentional replantation on pathologic migrated tooth. This study presents cases using modified intentional replantation for the treatment of pathologic tooth migration caused by severe periodontitis. Modified intentional replantation is a technique that prepares extraction socket by using an implant drill. Based on 3 cases performed with modified intentional replantation, an improvement of clinical periodontal indicators such as probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, tooth mobility, and pathologic teeth migration was observed after surgery. Also, the patients were satisfied with the functional and esthetic improvement.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.659-666
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• 1996

The treatment of complete avulsed teeth due to traumatic injuries is replantation procedure. The major complication of replantation are pulp necrosis, ankylosis, and root resorption. It is important to maintain the vitality of periodontal ligament to minimize the complications. The purpose of this case report is to consider the facts that affect the success rate and the prognosis of complete avulsed teeth after replantation. All of these cases had different conditions and transport media. The following results were observed: 1. The successive treatment of complete ayulsed teeth requires the maintainance of vitality of periodontal ligament. 2. The complication of replantation are inflammatory root resorption and ankylosis and in such case, proper endodontic treatment using calcium hydroxide medications and periodic observations are needed. 3. In case of delayed replantation, the use of fluoride and root planning procedure can help to achieve better result. 4. It is more esthetic and functional to maintain the avulsed tooth in mouth.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.86-92
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• 2007

Failure of reattachment of finger is inevitable in replantation surgery and that failure rate is about 10 % are reported in many authors. Management of the failed finger replantation is challenge to microsurgeons. We report 7 cases of thumb reconstruction after failure of replantation. The reconstructive surgery composed with early debridement of soft tissue that are under gangrenous processing, extract the phalangeal bone without any soft tissues. Osteosynthesis of the extracted phalangeal bone with host phalangeal bone. The exposed bony portion covered with vascularized flaps such as reverse radial forearm pedicled flap, free radial forearm flap and neurovascular island finger flap. This procedure underwent within a week after vascular insufficiency developed. All of the flaps are survived, bone union achieved within 3 months. The function and external appearance of the reconstructed thumb were encouraging; pinch power was average 1.2 pounds. Early removal of necrotizing soft tissue followed by covering none vascular phalangeal bone which extracted from the dead phalanx with vascularized flap is one of the useful alterative solutions in failed replantation surgery in hand.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.112-116
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• 2005

The auricle is easy to be amputated in the face due to its protruding position. When facial parts are amputated, the mechanism of injury usually involves some form of avulsion, which damages these fragile vessels over a distance and renders them unsuitable for anastomosis. Replantation of the ear remains a challenging problem because of the tiny vessels and the paucity of adequate veins for anastomosis. Reattachment as a composite graft of the total or subtotal amputated ear is unreliable. Microsurgical replantation can be performed in a minority of cases because of technical difficulties and long operation time. In this article, the authors report two case of a successful ear replantation of completely amputated auricle. Only one artery and one vein were anastomosed in first case. In the other case one artery was anastomosed without vein. Instead of venous repair, multiple incision was done with leech application therapy. and the outcome was successful. In spite of the technical difficulties and long operation time, microsurgical replantation of amputated ear is better than other reconstructive method or reattachment without microsurgery.