Headband technique of reimplantation of a partially amputed finger: a first reported in literature

Abstract

Background: Reimplantation of a partially amputee finger is a challenging task especially in resource limited country like India. In most of the scenario it lands in total amputation either due to delay in arrival at operative set up or due to lack of plastic surgery facility.

Methods: We developed an innovative approach (1st reported in literature) of “headband technique “of reimplantation of such partially amputee fingers and toes. Partially amputee fingers and toes with viability were selected for the operative treatment and for the study. The study was conducted from January 2020 to 2021 with a follow up period for 6 months at our institution. The innovative suturing technique involved a single stitch at the tip of the pulp and rest on adjacent to nail bed securing the neurovascular structures. The patient was in age group of 9 months to 94 years, mostly traumatic injury, with 40 male and 15 female patients. Patients who reported with fully amputee fingers, black escharotic finger were excluded from the study.

Results: To our accomplishment out of 55 operated patients, more than 50 have fully recovered.

Conclusions: With this simple technique of reimplantation even doctor at PHC’S can save fingers from getting amputed. Our study is with small number of patients; hence we advocate a larger study for to have conclusive evidence for the same.