The distal phalanx has important functions and must be replanted in case of accidental amputation. Microsurgery is the preferred technique; however, the necessary vein anastomosis can be very difficult or even impossible, especially in small children. This paper reports a case of microsurgical replantation of the distal phalanx of the fifth finger of a one-year-old male child who suffered a crush-type amputation of the fifth fingertip in a house door. The fingertip was replanted eight hours after the amputation, with anastomosis of a very thin artery and vein. The region exhibited congestion, which persisted for more than one week without necrosis; no other procedure was required after the replantation. This paper presents a literature review of the difficulty of restoring venous return in children. Several techniques for restoring venous return in difficult cases, as well as determinants of survival of the amputated part, are reviewed and presented; however, there are no specific studies on procedures for the age group in question. Children probably have better functional recovery or adaptation than do adults, but the amputated part has the same chance of survival, and some of the techniques used in adults are not applicable in children. The literature on this topic is scant, and a study on the most practical and efficient method for fingertip replantation in small children is warranted.
Finger phalanges; Replantation; Child
