The patient came through the operation well, and enjoyed limited use of the reattached body part for many years. What seems possible now, was quite out of place back then. The year was 1814. Since then, advances in microsurgery have taken Dr. Balfour's landmark achievement to amazing new levels. Today's hand surgeons rely on ever-improving specialized microscopes and microsutures to ensure proper blood vessel, tendon and bone connections.
Many hospitals have the equipment and physician expertise to successfully reattach amputated digits.
With this escalating number of reattachment surgeries comes a corresponding need for hand therapists with skills to maximize outcomes. Surgery is only as successful as the rehab that follows. Calif. Cresswell watches for telltale signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain and heat at the wound site. Report anything suspicious immediately to the surgeon. Infections aren't normal, says Cresswell, who also watches for color changes, which indicate circulatory difficulty.