Hand & Wrist Center of Houston Home If you suspect broken bones, dislocated joints, lacerated tendons, lacerated nerves, infection, or have an open wound below the elbow, then call us immediately.
 
MICROVASCULAR LIMB SALVAGE


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Major trauma to the upper extremity may result in amputation or such extensive damage that amputation appears to be the only option. To save the body part whether it is one finger, the hand, or the whole arm requires complex microsurgery. First and foremost the body part must have blood supply coming in and going out. Nerves must connect to the organs for movement and feeling. The skin layer covering all the other tissues must be stable, durable, and healthy. The bone and joints that provide structure to the limb must be stable and mobile. The tendon systems that move the body part must connect and glide back and forth. If all of these goals cannot be met, it is usually not the right answer to preserve the body part.

MEDICAL HISTORY

As much information as possible about how the injury occurred will help the surgeon understand the pattern of damage to the various tissues. This is important for planning the reconstruction.

EXAMINATION

Each of the damaged tissues must be carefully examined for the extent of injury. Only when this information is known can the surgeon even determine if a reconstruction is possible or advisable. Although this examination begins in the emergency department, it can only be completed during surgery.

ADDITIONAL TESTS

Plain x-rays are used to reveal the pattern of bone and joint damage.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

  AMPUTATION MICROSURGICAL LIMB RECONSTRUCTION
CONSISTS OF Forming the best possible residual limb at the level of damage Rebuilding the damaged limb with tissues taken from elsewhere in the body
FEATURES Usually completed on the day of injury with one surgery only May involve a series of surgeries and prolonged stay in the hospital
ADVANTAGES Fastest recovery period for patient Preserves body part
DISADVANTAGES Lost body part Final function will not be normal, recovery may be prolonged

RECOVERY

After amputation surgery the patient is usually discharged quickly from the hospital into outpatient rehabilitation. When the wounds heal in several weeks, the limb is trained for use again. If the amputation was at a major level in the arm, prosthetic fitting begins when swelling is gone and the skin layers are stabilized.

If microsurgical reconstruction is performed, the patient usually remains in the hospital on intravenous anticoagulants for around a week. Outpatient rehabilitation exercises for motion are started the week after discharge and continue for many months thereafter. Often, follow-up surgeries for tendon transfers or contracture releases are required. The total time before the patient has graduated the reconstructive process will be measured in months rather than weeks.
 
 
 
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  • great service with fantastic results - 08/25/11
  • I had surgery on both hands and I am really impressed with the results of my hands. Thanks Dr. Henry - 08/08/11
  • Very impressed by every aspect of my visit from the friendliness of everyone to how quickly I was treated. I would definitely recommend this doctor and facility to others. - 12/29/11
  • Fantastic team! - 03/09/11
  • Outstanding from start. Already recommended to friend - 12/19/11
  • Always a great experience. - 01/13/12
  • I am super happy with my experience and the outcome of my situation. I would definitely recommend this practice to friends with similar situations. - 02/07/12
  • ... I like the office and exam rooms--unique ... - 01/04/11
  • great staff and service - 02/11/11
  • I am very pleased with the service received from Dr. Henry. He is a very great doctor. - 09/19/11
  • I've already recommended others to Dr. Henry because of his outstanding abilities to take care of his patients and his excellent staff of professionals. - 02/08/12
  • staff in this clinic are very nice and friendly - 03/02/11
  • Luis was extremely helpful and professional assisting me, a NCM, with my problem. Please give him a cookie or a raise. - 09/20/11
  • Thank you for your kind assistance during my visit. - 11/30/11
  • ...I believe Dr. Henry is the best and has made a huge difference in our medical situations. I have referred many people and would continue to come until he retires - 11/28/11
  • Dr. Henry is remarkable along with his staff and his practice. I recomend Dr. Henry to my friends and co-workers. - 05/18/11
  • I have seen 4 other physicians...for my finger laceration and NONE of them explained my condition, options and the science behind the injury as well as Dr. Mark Henry. - 01/05/11
  • All the staff is great, they all do an outstanding job and make me feel welcomed every time i come in. - 01/21/11
  • I will definately recommend Dr. Henry to anyone who has hand and/or wrist problems. Very personable and professional as well as thorough !!! - 04/01/11
  • Dr. Henry and his staff are remarkable..very organized and informed. Everyone, including Dr. Henry, is both professional and friendly. I would and have recommended this office to anyone!! Thank you! - 08/02/11
  • Overall the Doctor and Staff has been outstanding - 01/23/12
  • I will miss everyone here, but I am pleased with my healing process and happy with my recovery. - 01/12/11
  • great job!!! - 01/26/11
  • My visit was pleasant; the staff are great. - 01/10/11
  • This has been a wonderful experience for me with great outcome - 11/21/11
  • Dr Henry did a wonderfull job and fixed the problems I had with no pain or worry. - 01/17/11
  • if everybody worked like dr mark henry and his staff the us would be debt free congragulations guys i was really impressed. - 11/16/11
  • You guys are awesome!!! Very happy with service!!! - 04/08/11
  • Thanks for eveything! - 09/12/11
  • THE DOCTOR AND STAFF ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS!!! - 03/03/11
  • I NOT ONLY LIKED DR. HENRY, BUT ALL OF THE STAFF THAT I MET WERE VERY NICE. I WOULD CERTAINLY RECOMMEND DR. MARK HENRY TO MY FRIENDS. - 02/25/11
  • amazing (: - 11/07/11
  • Another successful visit, thank you. - 02/08/12
  • l staff is considerate and friendly! We love everyone! - 11/16/11
  • Wonderful experience very impressed with the care and accuracy they showed to my dad...Thanks - 01/12/11
  • Very greatful the staff took care of me was thankful they all showed so much care. hopefully i dont have to come back but if i do i knonw i will get treated with outstanding care. - 08/25/11
  • Very informative - 11/30/11
  • We loved Dr. Henry! He made my 8 year old son feel very comfortable during a tough time. - 11/29/11
  • i am from beaumont tx and i would come back any time - 11/17/11
  • Glad i came to see the wrist center for a second opinion. i feel i am being cared for by the best in the area and i will be able to resume my life. - 01/27/12
  • This entire experience thus far has been amazing. The staff has been great and very helpful. Thank you hand and wrist center. - 08/02/11
  • The staff are always professional and courteous. Often very helpful...Very grateful. Thanks - 12/01/11
  • Absolutey the best place to come if you have any hand issues. - 12/07/11
  • very good staff - 12/07/11
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