Our Summary

As the population ages, more elderly people may continue to work, potentially increasing the number of hand injuries such as finger amputations. The decision to surgically reattach an amputated finger in elderly patients is not straightforward. This study compared the outcomes of finger reattachment surgery in older (65 and above) and younger (below 65) patients to see if the procedure is worth it for older people.

The researchers looked back at 25 patients (12 older, 13 younger) who had successful reattachment of a thumb, index, or long finger. They followed these patients for over a year, testing their finger strength, sensitivity, motion, hand dexterity, and the impact of the injury on their daily activities.

The results showed that older patients had worse scores in the sensitivity and dexterity tests. However, the strength, motion, and impact on daily activities were similar in both older and younger patients.

So, the study concludes that finger reattachment surgery in elderly patients results in similar hand function and daily living activities as in younger patients. This suggests that age should not be the deciding factor in considering such a surgery.

FAQs

  1. Are elderly people more likely to suffer from hand injuries such as finger amputations?
  2. Does age affect the success rate of finger reattachment surgery?
  3. Are the outcomes of finger reattachment surgery different in older and younger patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about hand surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal outcomes. This may include keeping the hand elevated, regularly doing hand exercises as recommended by the surgeon or physical therapist, avoiding activities that could put strain on the hand, and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring progress. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure a successful recovery and regain function in their hand as much as possible.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended hand surgery include those with:

  1. Traumatic injuries such as fractures, dislocations, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, and amputations.
  2. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and Dupuytren’s contracture.
  3. Congenital deformities such as extra fingers (polydactyly) or fused fingers (syndactyly).
  4. Tumors or cysts in the hand or wrist.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo hand surgery will depend on the specific condition, the severity of the injury or deformity, the patient’s overall health and lifestyle, and the expected outcomes of the surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their options with a hand surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs.

Timeline

Timeline:

Before hand surgery:

  1. Patient experiences a traumatic injury to the hand, such as an amputation of a finger.
  2. Patient seeks medical attention and is evaluated by a hand surgeon.
  3. Surgeon determines if the finger can be reattached through surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery.
  5. Surgery is scheduled and patient receives instructions on pre-operative care.

After hand surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to reattach the finger.
  2. Patient is monitored post-operatively for any complications or signs of infection.
  3. Patient begins rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the hand.
  4. Patient follows up with the surgeon for regular check-ups and assessments of hand function.
  5. Over the course of a year, patient continues to improve in terms of finger strength, sensitivity, motion, and hand dexterity.
  6. Patient’s daily activities are assessed to determine the impact of the injury and surgery on their overall quality of life.
  7. Ultimately, the patient may experience similar hand function and daily living activities as before the injury, regardless of their age.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hand surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with finger reattachment surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process following the surgery?
  3. Will I need physical therapy or occupational therapy after the surgery?
  4. What are the long-term outcomes and expectations for hand function after the surgery?
  5. How will this surgery impact my daily activities and quality of life?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
  8. What kind of post-operative care and follow-up appointments will be necessary?
  9. Can you provide information on the cost of the surgery and whether it will be covered by insurance?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to ensure optimal healing and hand function?

Reference

Authors: Nakanishi A, Kawamura K, Omokawa S, Hasegawa H, Tanaka Y. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2025 Feb;30(1):22-26. doi: 10.1142/S2424835525500110. Epub 2024 Nov 12. PMID: 39533149