Clinical application of replantation of Yamano I zone fingertip with anastomosis of central artery

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and the application experience of replantation of Yamano I zone fingertip with anastomosis of one artery. Methods From January 2012 to February 2017, 21 cases of Yamano I zone fingertip amputation without available vein for anastomosis were treated by replantation with only one central artery anastomosis. The nails were removed and blood-letting therapy was not used postoperatively. The survival rate, pulp fullness, finger appearance, sensory recovery and complications were observed. Results All the cases survived uneventfully. The follow-up period ranged from 10 to 36 months with an average of 15. 9 months. The patients were satisfied with the appearance of fingers, full pulp and no hyperalgesia. The two-pointuneventfullydiscrimination was 3 to 6 mm, averaging 4 mm. The wounds and fractures achieved primary healing. The appearance of nail was good. The mild finger atrophy occurred in 3 cases. The movements of the injured finger joints recovered well. Conclusion The replantation of Yamano I zone fingertip with only anastomosis of central artery can achieve satisfactory survival rate, full pulp and good recovery of sensation after the operation. The operation time is short. It is worthy of clinical promotion. Key words: Replantation; Microsurgery; Fingertip amputation; Vascular anastomosis