OBJECTIVETo investigate replantation methods and clinical outcomes of thumb rotation avulsion injury,and to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.

METHODSFrom Feburary 2009 to March 2012, 21 thumbs suffered from rotation avulsion injuries and replanted by different methods, including 16 males and 5 females with an average age of 32 years old ranging from 16 to 45 years old. Diffierent methods were chosen according to the traumatic condition. And the survival condition and function of the thumbs after replantation were observed and evaluated.

RESULTSAmong them, 19 replanted figers were survival, 2 cases failed. The mean follow-up period was 8 months (ranged from 3 to 14 months). According to the criteria for function assement of amputated finger issued by the Branch of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medicine Association, the results were excellent in 13 cases, good in 5, and poor in 1.

CONCLUSIONAccording to the traumatic condition to choose various approach in replantation of thumb with rotation avulsion, leading to a higher success rate, and provide the patients with a more aesthetic appearance and satisfied function.