Five year digital replantation series from the frigid zone of China

Abstract

A series of 208 digital replantations from the frigid zone within the People's Republic of China is presented. The extremely cold climate (often -20 degrees C to -30 degrees C) presents the problem of warming exposed amputated digits prior to replantation without causing further damage. An overall replantation survival rate of 94% is reported, and this includes 45 cases of multiple digit amputation. Longer periods of ischemia seem to be tolerated under these unusually frigid conditions. Problems encountered within the series and suggestions for successful outcomes are discussed.