Journal List > J Korean Soc Surg Hand > v.18(4) > 1106438

Hwang, Lee, Do Kim, Jung, and Kim: Reconstruction of Digits Injured by Punch Press Machine

Abstract

Purpose:

Digits injured by punch press machines show peculiar types with segmental loss of middle part of digits. Although the distal parts of finger survived, thr results is frequently unfavorable with respect to function and appearance after inappropriate reconstruction.

Methods:

From August 2008 to February 2013, five digits injured by punch press machines in four patients were managed. Pinch strength, two-point discrimination and active range of motion were measured to evaluate finger function.

Results:

Three digits with a preserved amputated segment underwent replantation. Partial necrosis occurred in one digit in which local flap was performed. Secondary tendon graft was performed in the other digits. Two digits without segment was reconstructed by arthrodesis after shortening the length. The patients were generally satisfied with function and appearance.

Conclusion:

Reconstruction of digits injured by punch machines are technically difficult. Replantation is the best method in cases of preserved segment, while arthrodesis with shortening is appropriate in cases without segment.

REFERENCES

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Fig. 1.
(A, B) A 25-year-old male patient shows segmental amputation on right index and middle finger by punch press machine.
jkssh-18-155f1.tif
Fig. 2.
(A) Preoperative radiologic finding. (B) Postoperative radiologic finding at 7 months after replantation.
jkssh-18-155f2.tif
Fig. 3.
(A, B) Favorable appearance at 7 months after replantation.
jkssh-18-155f3.tif
Fig. 4.
(A)Active range of motion is 30° in both finger. (B) Sufficient pinch strength to use a pen.
jkssh-18-155f4.tif
Fig. 5.
(A, B) A 53-year-old male patient shows segmental amputation on right index finger by punch press machine.
jkssh-18-155f5.tif
Fig. 6.
(A) Preoperative radiologic finding. (B) Postoperative radiologic finding at 3 months after arthrodesis.
jkssh-18-155f6.tif
Fig. 7.
(A, B) Favorable appearance at 7 months after arthrodesis.
jkssh-18-155f7.tif
Table 1.
Patient list
No. Sex Age (yr) Finger Level. Amputated tissue
1 M 32 Rt. thumb IPJ Lost
2 M 53 Rt. index finger DIPJ Lost
3 F 44 Lt. index finger DIPJ Preservation
4 M 25 Rt. index finger PIPJ Preservation
Rt. long finger PIPJ

Rt., right; IPJ, interphalangel joint; DIPJ, distal interphalangeal joint; Lt., left; PIPJ, proximal interphalangeal joint.

Table 2.
Results
No. Primary procedure Secondary procedure AROM (°) s2PD Pinch strength (kg) Pinch strength (%)*
1 Arthrodesis - 0 7 7 87.5
2 Arthrodesis - 0 10 5 83.3
3 Replantation Local flap Debridement 0 9 2 50.0
4 Replantation Tendon graft 30 7 3 42.9
Replantation Tendon graft 30 8 2.5 41.7

AROM, active range of motion; s2PD, static 2-point discrimination test.

* Indirect value, the proportion affected/unaffected finger.

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