ABSTRACT
Salvage of the complex amputation of extremities, such as combined with devastating
segmental injuries, extensive soft tissue defect, and multiple important organ injuries,
continues to be a challenge for plastic surgeons. Temporary ectopic implantation of
the amputated part to a healthy recipient site allows the patient to recover from
critical combined injuries, radical debridements, and soft tissue repair. In this
article, the authors report two cases of temporary ectopic implantation of complexly
amputated forearms, followed by successful replantation to their anatomic positions
at a second stage. The contralateral upper extremity is an acceptable recipient site
for temporary ectopic implantation. In secondary replantation, a cross-arm flap can
be designed to carry the vascular pedicle from the ectopic implantation recipient
to improve blood supply to the replanted part when the second blood supply is established.
The authors validated that temporary ectopic implantation of amputated parts provides
an alternative procedure for the salvage of amputated extremities under special circumstances.
KEYWORDS
Replantation - ectopic implantation - extremity - amputation
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Feng ZhangM.D. Ph.D.
Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216