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Replantation


“Replantation” is the word that we use to refer to surgical “reattachment” of a body part.  If the part is too damaged, it might not be possible to do this.  There has been considerable research in this area, and if your doctor thinks that this will not work, will be painful, or will get in the way of your everyday life, a revision of the amputation might be performed.  Replantation is associated with long, difficult operations, hospitalization, and months or even years of rehabilitation.

If your surgeon is able to reattach the bones, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and skin, you will be the most important person in the recovery process.  Some things can’t be helped: youth, level of your injury, and extent of injury are done deals, but strict elevation of your replanted body part and strict non-smoking behavior will be critical to survival of the part.  Keep in mind that a replanted part never regains 100% of its use.  In fact, 60% use is considered an excellent result!

It is not uncommon to need many surgeries following replantation, nor to feel emotions of loss, anger, frustration, and sadness.  Remember that this is a long, evolving process, and is only one facet of your life.  Stay in the game, as attitude has as much or more influence on your overall “recovery” and function as anything else!