SERVICES

HAND SURGERY

Replantation and Trauma of the Hand

What is replantation surgery and how does it work?

Replantation surgery is an advanced microsurgical procedure aimed at restoring severed body parts, most commonly fingers, thumbs, or entire hands, after traumatic amputation. This intricate surgery involves reconnecting arteries, veins, nerves, tendons, muscles, and bone. Using high-powered microscopes and fine surgical instruments. Time is a critical factor; the sooner the amputated part can be reattached, the better the chances of survival and function.


Replantation is not just about saving a body part, it's about restoring quality of life, independence, and hand function. When a replant is not viable due to the extent of damage, reconstructive trauma surgery is often performed to repair and preserve as much function and appearance as possible.

What types of traumatic hand injuries require surgery?

The hand is highly vulnerable to trauma because of its constant use in both work and daily life. Common causes of severe hand trauma include industrial machinery accidents, saw injuries, crush injuries, road accidents, burns, and even domestic mishaps such as knife or door injuries. These injuries often affect multiple structures in the hand, such as skin, bone, joints, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels requiring immediate and often complex surgical intervention.

Surgeries may include:

  • Replantation of amputated fingers or hands
  • Fracture fixation using pins, plates, or screws
  • Vascular repair to restore blood flow
  • Tendon and ligament repair to restore joint movement
  • Skin grafts and flap reconstruction for tissue loss
  • Nerve repair or grafting to restore sensation and motor function.

FAQ

1What are the chances of success after replantation?
Success depends on multiple factors including the level of injury, time elapsed before surgery, the patient’s age, health, and the method used to preserve the amputated part. Thumb and single-digit replantations tend to have better outcomes than more extensive injuries. Post-operative care and rehabilitation are also key.
2What is the recovery process like after hand trauma or replantation?
Recovery can be extensive, sometimes lasting several months or more. It typically involves wound care, regular follow-ups, and intensive hand therapy to restore strength, movement, and coordination. In some cases, secondary surgeries may be required to optimise function.
3Is function always fully restored?
While the goal of surgery is to regain as much function as possible, outcomes vary depending on the severity of the injury. Even if full range of motion is not restored, most patients are able to regain functional use of the hand and a significant improvement in quality of life.
HAND SURGERY
Congenital Hand Deformities Replantation and Trauma of the Hand Soft tissue masses and Cancers of the hand Burns and Reconstructive Burns surgery Peripheral nerve surgery Spasticity Spasticity Surgery Tendinopathies
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Dr Phalafala’s Commitment

Dr Phalafala's success lies in her collaborative, detail-oriented approach to complex surgery. She develops personalised treatment plans focused on each patient’s unique needs, supported by a foundation of empathy, communication, and clinical excellence. Her goal is to provide transformative outcomes through reconstructive and cosmetic surgery that not only enhance form and function but also restore confidence and quality of life.

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