Effects of cold exposure on the circulation of replanted fingers during the early postoperative period

J Hand Surg Am. 1991 Nov;16(6):1041-5. doi: 10.1016/s0363-5023(10)80066-8.

Abstract

The replanted finger after a complete amputation is an excellent model for the study of many aspects of vascular physiology. In the present clinical study, 10 patients were investigated to evaluate the incidence of cold-induced vasospasm in replanted digits during the early postoperative period. The results indicate that cold-induced vasospasm is not a risk factor in the early postoperative phase after digital-replantation surgery. It is concluded that cold-induced spasm of the digital arteries is primarily a central, nerve-mediated reflex.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amputation, Traumatic / physiopathology
  • Amputation, Traumatic / surgery
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cold Temperature / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Finger Injuries / physiopathology
  • Finger Injuries / surgery*
  • Fingers / blood supply*
  • Fingers / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Replantation*
  • Vasoconstriction