PURPOSE:
Digit amputations are devastating, life-changing injuries that usually occur in a young working population. Modern microvascular techniques have enabled surgeons to successfully reattach digits that have been amputated at almost any level. Replantation involves re-attaching a complete amputation. Revascularisation involves restoring blood supply and venous outflow to an incomplete non-viable amputation. Well defined selection criteria exist. The ultimate goal is not merely to preserve all living tissue through non-selective replantation, but rather to preserve quality of life by improving function and appearance.
To evaluate long term functional and psychological outcome after digital replantation and revascularisation treated at a tertiary referral centre.

METHODS: All digital replantations and revascularisations preformed at University College Hospital Galway between 1989 - 2005 were identified from theatre logbooks & chart review.
Questionnaires were sent to all patients:
Disability of Arm, Hand & Shoulder Questionnaire (DASH)
Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire
SF-36 Questionnaire (a generic measure of health related quality of life).
All patients were recalled to a clinic.
Functional assessment of sensation (Semmes Weinstein monofilament & 2-point discrimination), dexterity (pegboard) and motor function (dynamometry & range of movement) was preformed.
Patient satisfaction and psychological outcomes were assessed