Allowing the replanted part to hang below heart level may also cause poor circulation. Younger patients have a better chance of their nerves growing back, they may regain more feeling, and may regain more movement in the replanted part. Generally, the further down the arm the injury occurs, the better the return of use to the patient. Patients who have not injured the joint will get more movement back than those who have. A cleanly cut part usually works better after replantation than one that has been crushed or pulled off.
Nerves grow about an inch per month.
The number of inches from the injury to the tip of a finger gives the minimum number of months after which the patient may be able to feel something with that fingertip. Cold weather can be uncomfortable and a frequent complaint even for those with excellent recovery. Complete healing of the injury and surgical wounds is only the beginning of a long process of rehabilitation. Therapy and temporary bracing are important to the recovery process. From the beginning, braces are used to protect the newly repaired tendons and allow the patient to move the replanted part.