J Reconstr Microsurg 2011; 27(5): 309-312
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1278714
© Thieme Medical Publishers

The Y-V-I Principle for Salvaging Distal Digit Replantation

Tekin Simsek1 , İbrahim Alper Aksakal1 , Lutfi Eroglu1
  • 1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 May 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

The replantation and revascularization of a distal finger following a crush injury or avulsion are difficult because of the shortness of the vessels after debridement. The success rate of the anastomoses may decrease when they are under tension. To address this, many maneuvers have been described, such as shortening the amputated part or proximal finger stump for tensionless closing, interposing a vein graft between the vessel ends, and vessel transfer from a neighboring finger. Regardless of which of these techniques is chosen, it is an additional drawback for the already traumatized hand or amputation stump. Y-V-I pedicle lengthening is a method for providing extra pedicle length. This article presents a pediatric patient with a traumatic partial amputation at the fourth distal interphalangeal joint in whom the finger was salvaged by achieving anastomoses using the Y-V-I pedicle-lengthening principle.

REFERENCES

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Tekin SimsekM.D. 

Assistant of Professor, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine

Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey

Email: drtekinsimsek@hotmail.com