Can My Severed Finger Be Reattached? Orthopedic Insights Explained

Is surgery possible?

When I was a child, my left index finger was severed in two sections by a machine.
I would like to know if it can be reattached.
Thank you, doctor.

Fanrao de ren, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/10/26

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Your question is not very clear, making it a bit difficult to answer.
When you say "broken," do you mean a fracture or something else? If it's a fracture, surgery can be performed to facilitate healing, but the function may not return to its original state.
If the index finger is already missing, reconstruction is possible by transplanting a toe from another part of the body.

Reply Date: 2004/10/26

More Info

The question of whether a severed finger can be reattached is a complex one that depends on several factors, including the nature of the injury, the time elapsed since the injury occurred, and the condition of the severed finger itself. In your case, since you mentioned that your left index finger was severed in childhood, it is important to consider the following aspects:
1. Timing of Reattachment: The sooner a severed finger is reattached, the better the chances of successful reattachment. Ideally, reattachment should occur within 6 to 12 hours after the injury. Beyond this window, the viability of the finger decreases significantly due to tissue necrosis (death of tissue) and loss of blood supply.

2. Condition of the Severed Finger: The condition of the severed part is crucial. If the finger was preserved properly (for example, kept cool and moist), it may have a better chance of being reattached. If the severed part has been damaged or is no longer viable, reattachment may not be possible.

3. Type of Injury: The type of injury also plays a significant role. Clean cuts (like those from a sharp object) are more likely to be successfully reattached than injuries caused by crushing or tearing, which can damage the blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues.

4. Surgical Expertise: The skill and experience of the surgical team are critical. Microsurgery, which involves reconnecting small blood vessels and nerves, is often required for successful reattachment. A specialized orthopedic or plastic surgeon with experience in hand surgery would be the best option for such a procedure.

5. Long-term Outcomes: Even if reattachment is successful, there may be complications, such as stiffness, loss of sensation, or reduced function in the finger. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are often necessary to regain as much function as possible.

In your case, since the injury occurred during childhood, it is unlikely that reattachment would be feasible now, especially if significant time has passed. The body typically adapts to such injuries over time, and the surrounding tissues may have compensated for the loss of the finger. If you are experiencing any functional limitations or discomfort, it would be advisable to consult with an orthopedic specialist who can assess your current condition and discuss potential treatment options.

In summary, while reattachment of a severed finger is possible under certain conditions, the feasibility greatly diminishes with time and the nature of the injury. If you have concerns about your hand function or any related issues, seeking a professional evaluation would be the best course of action.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Finger Amputation: Definitions and Open Fracture Assessment

Hello Doctor, on February 13th, around 11 AM, due to work, my right hand finger was severely crushed by a metal block. When I removed my work glove, the tip of my right index finger was severed near the joint, with the bone completely fractured and only a small piece of skin conn...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, in terms of insurance, "amputation" refers to the loss of a digit due to the absence of a phalanx; if it is reattached, it is at most considered reduction and fixation. Therefore, the physician's statement is entirely reasonable from a medical perspective. C...

Rehabilitation After Finger Reattachment: What to Expect

Dear Doctor: A few days ago, my right index finger was severed by a machine, and I underwent finger reattachment surgery. I am very concerned about not being able to regain function in my index finger. Will I be able to undergo rehabilitation in the future? Thank you!

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. After finger reconstruction, the sooner rehabilitation begins, the better; there is no need to wait for the wound to heal, as there are instruments such as la...

Can Torn Finger Ligaments Be Reattached? Expert Insights and Costs

Hello Dr. Cheng, I would like to ask you a question. Many years ago, I suffered a deep cut on my thumb from glass. At that time, the exterior was stitched up with hundreds of stitches, but the tendon was not reattached. As a result, my thumb cannot bend or exert force properly....

Dr. Zheng Zhong reply Neurosurgery
1. The inability to flex the thumb normally and apply force after an injury years ago may be due to: (1) the tendon cannot be reattached as described, (2) scar tissue contracture, (3) adhesive capsulitis of the joint, (4) adhesion of ligaments and tendons. 2. Given that several...

Managing Finger Amputation Recovery: Bruising and Nerve Healing Insights

Hello Doctor, I recently suffered an accident that resulted in the amputation of the first phalanx of my index finger. After surgery, the severed phalanx could not be reattached, and the wound has since healed. However, today I accidentally bumped the healed area with significant...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Bruising at the site of reattached fingers is a temporary phenomenon. If there is no impact on function and no further deterioration, there is no need for concern. Numbness at the surgical suture site may be due to damaged nerves that have not yet recovered.