A 40-year-old male sustains a traumatic amputation of his right thumb at the metacarpophalangeal joint during a woodworking accident. The amputated th...

Question

A 40-year-old male sustains a traumatic amputation of his right thumb at the metacarpophalangeal joint during a woodworking accident. The amputated thumb is recovered. Why does the thumb have a higher priority for replantation than other individual digits?

Accepted Answer

The thumb accounts for approximately 40-50% of hand function - its loss significantly impairs grip, pinch, and opposition; replantation of the thumb is therefore prioritised over other single digits

Answer

The thumb has less blood supply, making replantation easier

Answer

Thumb replantation is only cosmetic, not functional

Answer

The thumb cannot be replanted due to its complex anatomy

Answer

All digits have equal functional importance

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Thumb Replantation Priority

A 40-year-old male sustains a traumatic amputation of his right thumb at the metacarpophalangeal joint during a woodworking accident. The amputated thumb is recovered. Why does the thumb have a higher priority for replantation than other individual digits?