Major upper limb replantation: a review of clinical pearls
Abstract
Replantation of major segments of the extremities can be a formidable task. Adequate debridement of crushed tissues is a prerequisite for successful major limb replantation. This article serves to elucidate the important situational and patient factors a surgeon must consider when choosing between replantation or revision amputation for upper limb salvage.
Keywords
Introduction
Since Malt and McKhan’s first successful upper extremity replantation in 1962, ever-evolving surgical techniques have redefined outcomes for patients with these life-altering injuries[1]. Still, these cases remain a challenge for surgeons who must make difficult decisions regarding replant candidacy and surgical options. In 2005, approximately 170,000 people in the United States were living with a wrist-proximal upper extremity amputation. Young males are predominantly affected; trauma remains the leading cause of injury in this group[2]. Though prosthetic options for upper extremity amputation have significantly improved in recent years, rejection rates of devices have been described to be as high as 30%[3]. Further, post-operative functionality can be unpredictable. Upper limb replantation continues to yield better overall subjective results over revision amputation[3]. This article serves to review the important situational and patient factors a surgeon must consider when choosing between replantation or revision amputation for upper limb salvage. We also emphasize technical points that may lead to successful upper extremity major limb replantation.
Evaluation and assessment
Surgeons considering upper extremity replantation must take into account the injury’s devastating effect on patient quality of life, functionality, and possible financial burden[4,5]. Despite the profound nature of this decision process, few substantiated algorithms delineating replantation versus revision amputation exist in the current literature. Märdian et al.[5] proposed an algorithm that took into account injury pattern, patient risk factors, ischemia time, and contamination. Larson et al.[6] expounded upon variables that were significantly associated with choosing replantation: severity of systemic conditions, mechanism and level of injury, ischemia time, and patient motivation comprised the foremost imperative factors involved in management choice. Regardless, all algorithms should include a full initial patient evaluation per conventional trauma standards. After going through the advanced trauma life support protocol, a thorough exam, appropriate studies, and radiographic images of the proximal appendage and amputated segment should be included in the initial assessment. Patients suffering high acuity systemic trauma may demonstrate compromised ability for wound healing which is incompatible with replantation. Life threatening injuries may absolutely preclude patients from undergoing long operations with sustained general anesthesia[6,7]. Larson et al.[6] described in his retrospective study, spanning 11 years with 62 upper extremity amputation patients, a significant association with the choice of revision amputation and an Injury Severity Score of 16 or greater, indicating severe trauma. Further, those higher acuity patients who did undergo replantation were more likely to experience replant failure[6].
The mechanism and level of injury plays a large role in anticipating the salvage probability of soft tissue structures at amputation sites. Sharp or penetrating injuries, especially “guillotine” amputations, demonstrate less extensive damage to sharply divided soft tissues. These injuries are associated with significantly higher rates of attempted replantation over crush or avulsion events[6]. Injuries that are distally located may also encourage replantation attempts. On the other hand, proximal injuries may be prone to increased effects of ischemia as more muscle mass and neuronal tissue are devoid of perfusion. Additionally, this tissue is subsequently exposed to greater oxidative stress and reperfusion injury that can sabotage microsurgical replantation efforts[6,8-10]. Therefore, the upper extremity amputation injury must be considered when constructing an operative plan.
Furthermore, a close relationship between the surgeon and occupational therapist is invaluable to obtain optimal function outcomes. Frequent communication of plans allows for real-time feedback, rehabilitative protocol revision when needed, and can increase a patient’s faith in the treatment plan. Having a trusted and reliable team of therapists available is vital when evaluating a patient for successful replantation. It is also critical the patient be evaluated holistically to ensure appropriate candidacy for replantation. Patients with injuries caused by multiple self-harm attempts may discourage replantation attempts unless post-operative mental health care and constant monitoring are in place. When possible, the surgeon must assess the patient’s occupation, physical demands, and motivation to endure a long and arduous rehabilitative course.
Prognostic factors for upper extremity limb viability
One of the most crucial variables affecting limb salvage after replantation is the ischemia time of the amputated segment. Replantation for wrist-proximal amputations should be attempted before 12 h of cold ischemia time or 6 h of warm ischemia time[11]. Prolonged warm ischemia time is particularly associated with increased changes in cellular metabolism of susceptible muscle tissue. Damaging oxidative stress renders the muscles dysfunctional, increases vessel permeability, and predisposes the patient to reperfusion syndrome[11]. Emergency personnel should be instructed to wrap the amputated extremity in gauze and cool it on ice as soon as possible[1]. Inflow and outflow shunts may be utilized in anticipation of long transport times. A large catheter may be used between a single intact vein if present; arterial flow is re-established with a carotid shunt or intravascular catheter[1]. A prospective study of 186 complete upper extremity amputations by Waikakul et al.[8] described post-operative reperfusion syndrome in 5.4% of patients. Though not statistically significant, patients with a total ischemic time between 6-8 h had a higher rate of failure when compared to those with 0-6 h. Tantry et al.[9] presented a series of 14 upper extremity amputation patients, all of whom had total limb ischemia times of more than 6 h. The 4 patients who developed intraoperative/early post-operative events all had 8 or more hours of total ischemia. Reperfusion events observed included hypotension, bronchospasm, acidosis, and atrial fibrillation.
The severity, mechanism, and level of injury to the upper extremity is associated with the probability of successful limb salvage. Severity of the injury can manifest in several ways; large crush injuries may damage multiple functional muscle units, portending a poor prognosis for post-operative function. These extensive crush injuries are also typically plagued with severe tissue contamination. Meticulous debridement, vigorous irrigation, and antimicrobial therapy can mitigate the deleterious effects of initial contamination on functional outcomes after replantation[9]. A crush injury may be debrided in order to convert it to a sharp injury, facilitating ease and functional healing of the repair. Avulsion events may themselves obviate functional recovery, as axonal and vascular damage to nefariously proximal levels may underlie seemingly distal amputations. In fact, rotary machine injuries portend the worse outcomes of all injury types[12]. Clean guillotine injuries are more amenable to successful replantation and subsequent function[6,8]. Replantation of more distal amputations tends to be associated with better function post-operatively. This may be in part due to the increased length of axonal regeneration required for higher injuries[10].
Most patient demographic variables have little bearing on replantation success, with gender and age showing no significant difference in salvage rates. History of smoking may be associated with higher rates of failed replantation efforts[8].
Pearls for upper extremity replantation
Debridement and soft tissue injury
While some studies use severe contamination as a contraindication to replantation surgery, contamination has no significant association with adverse events or limb survival after thorough irrigation and debridement[6,9,12]. Aggressive debridement combined with appropriate antibiotic coverage decreases the risk of post-operative infections and is imperative in the management of upper extremity injuries[6]. Meticulous inspection of the amputated segment is crucial and can be done prior to the operation itself to maximize efficiency[13]. Exposed vascular structures should be carefully examined under loupe magnification or the operating microscope. Signs of vessel damage, such as a “red line” or corkscrew “ribbon sign”, can signify traction injury and separation of intima from media. Any anastomosis attempted in regions afflicted with this type of damage are prone to thrombosis[14,15]. Thus, with prior inspection of the amputated segment, the zone of injury of the amputated limb can be properly estimated and the need for vein grafts and a safe location for neurovascular anastomoses can be considered before incising the proximal stump. Any ischemic or contaminated tissue of the segment can be sharply debrided at this time. Aggressive excision of any tissue that appears compromised is advocated, as soft tissue complications are the main cause of failure in major limb replantation[16].
Tissue sepsis and necrosis can lead to neurovascular exposure and desiccation and may incite an inflammatory cascade that promulgates a thrombogenic environment[16]. Sharp excision and copious wound irrigation with an antibiotic solution are encouraged; pulse lavage or high-pressure irrigation is not often recommended as this can push fluid and bacteria into the tissues causing significant edema and deep infection[17]. As stated previously, ischemic time should be at the forefront of the surgeon’s mind during this process. Shunting should be utilized as necessary during the debridement process, which may preclude separate preparation of the amputated segment. As serial debridement may be required until definitive coverage, temporary dressings are often utilized to keep the wounds clean and to prevent desiccation[18].
Bone shortening
In addition to thorough debridement of soft tissue, bone shortening is a technique that is highly advantageous in replantation surgeries. Bone shortening is critical for removing any devitalized bone and other necrotic structures, thereby promoting bony union and decreasing the risk of osteomyelitis, deep infections, and necrosis[19]. Additionally, bone shortening presents the opportunity to convert crush and avulsion injuries to “guillotine” type injuries, facilitating reconstruction by converting damaged nerves and vessels to clean and vitalized structures suitable for coaptation and anastomosis[19,20]. Bone shortening may also allow physicians to avoid vein and nerve grafts. Shortening also decreases tension on anastomoses and skin repair and reduces soft tissue defect size, decreasing the need for flap coverage[19,21,22]. The radius and ulna may tolerate from 2.5 cm to 5.0 cm of shortening and the humerus may tolerate up to 8 cm of shortening with acceptable functional results[13]. The benefits of bone shortening, including decreased risk of wound infections and replantation failure, outweigh the risks of a shortened limb with potentially diminished functionality. The literature has demonstrated that shortening within the aforementioned parameters has a negligible effect on subsequent function[15,19]. Appropriate tensioning of the involved muscles and tendons and meticulous nerve repair, with or without the use of transfers, is paramount in this setting. When possible, the patient should be informed of the expected cosmetic implications of arm length discrepancy as well as the arduous post-operative rehabilitative course to gain back strength and range.
Ectopic banking
Though rarely employed, the amputated segment may be temporarily banked if a patient’s critical condition or complex injury at the proximal stump precludes immediate replantation. Godina et al.[23] first described this method in 1986 for the ectopic implantation and subsequent replantation of an amputated hand. This technique allows for expeditious temporary salvage of the amputated segment as only skin and vascular reconstruction need be undertaken[24]. Recipient vessel site choice is crucial and must be well outside the zone of injury. Though Godina initially favored the thoracodorsal artery at the axilla as the recipient vessel in banking, microsurgeons have generally shifted their preference to the contralateral distal radial artery. This allows for ease of serial debridement and physical therapy of the ectopic segment. Further, the contralateral radial artery can be reconstructed with a vein graft at the same time as the replant, decreasing operative time[24]. The banked segment should be replanted as soon as possible, preferably within 1-2 weeks. This allows for a more stable position for the segment and for nerves and tendons to be repaired rapidly[24,25]. When the ectopic segment is harvested, the previous anastomosis should be preserved. A significant amount of the length of the recipient vessel should be taken to avoid the zone of injury during replantation[24].
Secondary procedures
Secondary procedures are commonplace following upper extremity limb replantation. Fufa et al.[26] described a series of patients that underwent an average of three secondary procedures. Axelrod et al.[19] demonstrated an average of 4.2 secondary procedures per patient. Prior to any attempts, patients should understand the arduous road of replantation, including the need for multiple reconstructive surgeries to improve functional results. Secondary procedures commonly include soft tissue coverage with vascularized flaps, free functioning muscle transfer, tenolysis, tendon transfer, and nerve grafts[6,19,26,27]. Certain secondary procedures are more common depending on the location of the replantation as well as the mechanism of amputation sustained.
Distal and wrist level amputations commonly require tenolysis to improve range of motion, while proximal-level amputations often require soft tissue coverage due to high intensity mechanisms of injury typically sustained at this amputation level[27]. Soft tissue coverage may include skin grafting or vascularized tissue transfer; however, flaps are typically preferred as skin grafts may cause contracture limiting muscle excursion[26,27].
Free functioning muscle transfer is an important secondary procedure commonly performed in avulsion injuries of the forearm and elbow. Avulsion injuries of this area severely disrupt the long flexor and extensor tendons of the hand. These tendons may be too damaged for direct repair and essential musculature may be removed after thorough debridement. When tendon transfers are not an option, the replanted limb can suffer severely diminished functional capacity, requiring free functional neurotized muscle transfer[26,27].
Anticoagulation
Intraoperative and post-operative anticoagulation therapy are controversial topics among microsurgeons performing replantation. Ideally, the goals of anticoagulation for microvascular anastomoses are to prevent thrombosis and improve vascular patency by decreasing platelet function, increasing blood flow or decreasing blood viscosity, and counteracting the effects of thrombin on platelets and fibrinogen[28,29]. However, these effects may also lead to undue complications such as hemorrhage or hematoma which may further compromise the vascular anastomoses within replants[28,30].
We recommend a post-operative regimen similar to other free tissue transfer procedures, consisting of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at prophylactic deep vein thrombosis dosing starting on post-operative day 1 for the duration of the patient’s inpatient stay as well as 325 mg of Aspirin for 1 month post-operatively. Other commonly used anticoagulants include heparin and dextran; however, LMWH is preferred over unfractionated heparin as LMWH has better defined therapeutic and prophylactic dosages and carries a decreased risk of heparin induced thrombocytopenia[28]. Dextran decreases platelet activity and increases blood volume which thereby decreases blood viscosity; however, it is largely avoided in the current literature as it may induce serious complications such as anaphylaxis, pulmonary edema, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral edema, acute renal failure, or congestive heart failure[31]. Additionally, some microvascular surgeons performing free flaps and digit and limb replantation choose to not use any pre-, intra-, or post-operative anticoagulation while still reporting favorable results[32]. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding this topic remains and prospective, randomized controlled trials are required to define recommendations for anticoagulation therapy following major upper limb replantation.
Replantation vs. amputation with and without prosthetic fitting
Patients who undergo successful replantation report significantly improved outcomes and satisfaction as compared to patients who undergo revision amputation with prosthetic rehabilitation[33]. However, prosthetic technology, including targeted muscle reinnervation, myoelectric prostheses and osseointegration, continues to advance and holds the potential for superior limb dexterity and functionality[33,34]. Limb replantation is currently superior to revision amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation. As prothesis technology improves, future research will be required into this topic.
Cost-effectiveness analysis
As compared to revision amputation, upper extremity replantation is associated with longer rehabilitation, increased time to return to work, and increased costs overall[12]. However, upper extremity replantation has been demonstrated to be a cost-effective approach as compared to revision amputation, particularly for highly motivated patients and patients of younger age at time of injury[35].
Other than patient reported outcomes and functional scoring systems, there is no definitive cost-benefit analysis of major upper extremity replantation as compared to revision amputation with prosthetic fitting. Patients’ baseline functional status, occupation, type of injury sustained, and type of prosthetic used is unique to each patient, rendering a definitive cost benefit analysis difficult to produce[7]. Initial costs of limb replantation exceed the cost of revision amputations[33,35]. However, advanced prostheses such as those involving targeted muscle reinnervation and myoelectric prosthesis can be incredibly expensive[12,33]. While pain and difficulty of prosthetic use are some of the most common reasons for prothesis disuse by patients, financial burden is another commonly cited reason for prothesis abandonment[33]. Intensive rehabilitation is required for both replantation and prosthesis use in order to regain the most function[36].
Conclusion
Upper extremity amputations are devastating injuries. However, with appropriate management strategies in place, major limb replantation is a potentially life changing option for those who have suffered these injuries. While major limb replantation is not a viable option for every patient, the authors emphasize the importance of appropriate patient selection and surgical management strategies, including aggressive soft tissue and bone debridement in order to improve outcomes in these injuries.
Declarations
AcknowledgmentsThe authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Ramazi Datiashvili for his expert advice.
Authors’ contributionsWrote the manuscript: Luthringer M, Dalena M
Approved the final version of the manuscript: Luthringer M, Dalena M, Ayyala HS
Conceived the study: Ayyala HS
Provided critical revisions that are important for intellectual content: Ayyala HS
Supervision and project administration: Ayyala HS
Contributed equally to this article: Luthringer M, Dalena M, Ayyala HS
Availability of data and materialsNot applicable.
Financial support and sponsorshipNone.
Conflicts of interestAll authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.
Ethical approval and consent to participateNot applicable.
Consent for publicationNot applicable.
Copyright© The Author(s) 2020.
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Luthringer M, Dalena M, Ayyala HS. Major upper limb replantation: a review of clinical pearls. Plast Aesthet Res 2020;7:42. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.35
AMA Style
Luthringer M, Dalena M, Ayyala HS. Major upper limb replantation: a review of clinical pearls. Plastic and Aesthetic Research. 2020; 7: 42. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.35
Chicago/Turabian Style
Luthringer, Margaret, Margaret Dalena, Haripriya S. Ayyala. 2020. "Major upper limb replantation: a review of clinical pearls" Plastic and Aesthetic Research. 7: 42. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.35
ACS Style
Luthringer, M.; Dalena M.; Ayyala HS. Major upper limb replantation: a review of clinical pearls. Plast. Aesthet. Res. 2020, 7, 42. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.35
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