A clinical study of the order and speed of sensory recovery after digital replantation.

The order of sensory recovery (the first appearance of each sensory modality in the amputated digit) and the speed of sensory recovery in the amputated digit were recorded in 74 replanted digits in which both digital nerves had been severed and repaired primarily. The order of sensory recovery was measured by Frey hairs to determine pressure (30 gm) and touch (2 gm). Pain (5 gm) was measured by an algesiometer and cold (0 degree C) and warmth (50 degrees C) were measured by a thermometer (Yufu Seiki Co., Ltd.). Perspiration was measured by the bromophenol blue printing method. The mean times of the appearance of sensibility in the amputated digits were: pressure, 9.8 weeks; touch, 11.6 weeks; pain, 13.4 weeks; cold, 15.3 weeks; warmth 16.8 weeks; and perspiration, 26.9 weeks. The speed of sensory recovery was a measurement of the first appearance of sensibility in the amputated digit to the restoration of sensibility to the fingertip. The speed of sensory recovery for touch and pain was calculated by dividing the number of months required for sensory recovery by the distance from the replant level to the fingertip. The mean speed of sensory recovery for touch was 14.0 mm per month, and for pain it was 13.2 mm per month.