traumatic amputations

Last reviewed 01/2018

Traumatic amputations may be worth the attempt to reimplant if in good condition:

  • thumb, always worth attempting to reimplant
  • fingers, especially where needed for grasping, writng etc
  • hand at wrist or through metacarpals
  • arm and forearm in young people if minimal delay
  • feet in children
  • soft tissues can sometimes be reimplanted including scalp, penis, ear and parts of the face

ref: N Lawrence et al, HB Emergencies in Gen Pract 2e, 1997