Finger Replantation Surgery in a Young Engineering Student

Patient identity withheld per confidentiality guidelines (referred to as Mr. B).

Mr. B, a 20-year-old engineering student, presented with an amputation of his finger sustained while cleaning the chain of his bicycle. He was evaluated by Dr. Leena Jain at Plastikos Clinic, and on clinical assessment, the injury was diagnosed as a finger amputation, with replantation surgery identified as the appropriate treatment.

Injuries involving bicycle or machinery chains are a recognised mechanism of finger amputation, since the chain and sprocket can trap and sever a digit during routine cleaning or maintenance. Clinically, such injuries are assessed to determine the level of amputation and whether the amputated segment and the remaining stump are suitable for reattachment.

About Finger Amputation and Replantation (General Information)

Finger amputation refers to the complete separation of a digit, or part of it, from the hand. Once diagnosed, the treating surgeon evaluates whether replantation, that is, reattachment of the amputated part, is a viable option.

Replantation surgery is a reconstructive procedure in which the amputated segment is rejoined to the hand. It generally involves:

• Stabilising the bone to restore the skeletal framework of the finger
• Repairing the tendons responsible for bending and straightening the digit
• Reconnecting blood vessels to restore circulation to the reattached part
• Repairing nerves to allow the return of sensation over time
• Closing the skin to complete the reattachment

The objective of replantation, where clinically suitable, is to restore both the physical structure and the functional capacity of the finger, rather than to manage the injury by amputation alone.

Following clinical assessment, Dr. Leena jain planned a replantation surgery to reattach the amputated finger. Replantation, as a surgical approach, involves reattaching the amputated segment to the hand with the aim of restoring both the structure and the function of the finger.

As a general principle in replantation surgery, the treatment plan is guided by the level of the amputation, the condition of the amputated part, and the structures that require repair, namely bone, tendon, vessels, and nerves, in order for the reattached digit to survive and regain use.

The treatment carried out for Mr. B was replantation surgery, performed by Dr. Leena Jain at Lilavati Hospital/Plastikos Clinic.

This general sequence reflects the standard approach to finger replantation and is provided here as background information on the type of surgery performed for Mr. B, rather than as a detailed account of his specific operative course.

The surgery resulted in the finger being reattached successfully. The outcome recorded was full function and good range of movement in the reattached finger.

Outcomes at a Glance

The long-term expectation for this patient is normal sensation and movement in the reattached finger.

In replantation surgery generally, sensation and fine movement in a reattached digit tend to improve gradually as the repaired nerves and tissues recover, and the extent of this recovery is monitored over subsequent follow-up visits.

The patient reported being very satisfied with the saved finger.

Profile: Male · 20 years · Engineering student
Procedure: Replantation surgery · Performed by Dr. Leena Jain · Lilavati Hospital/Plastikos Clinic

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