Can you reattach your hand if it gets cut off?

Replantation is the surgical reattachment of a finger, hand or arm that has been completely cut from a person’s body (Figure 1). The goal of this surgery is to give the patient back as much use of the injured area as possible. This procedure is recommended if the replanted part is expected to function without pain.

What if your hand is cut off?

Clean area with warm water and soap. Apply antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage. Apply ice and elevate hand to reduce swelling. If a finger or part of a finger has been cut off, collect all parts and tissue and put it in a plastic bag on ice for transport to the hospital.

How long does a cut off finger take to heal?

Most minor finger cuts heal within 2–4 weeks. Deeper cuts or those requiring medical attention or surgery will take longer to heal. During the recovery process, people should be aware of signs that the wound is not healing correctly.

Can you reattach nerves?

Sometimes a section of a nerve is cut completely or damaged beyond repair. Your surgeon can remove the damaged section and reconnect healthy nerve ends (nerve repair) or implant a piece of nerve from another part of your body (nerve graft). These procedures can help your nerves to regrow.

What happens before surgery on a broken wrist?

Before surgery is carried out, X-rays of your hand, wrist and forearm may be taken to check for any other damage, such as a fracture, that may also need to be repaired. Tendon repair is not usually regarded as emergency surgery, but is generally carried out as quickly as possible after the injury (usually within 24 to 48 hours).

How long does a lopped-off finger stay on after amputation?

A lopped-off finger will still have a place on your hand for about 12 hours after amputation if not refrigerated, but a full limb like an arm or leg — left at room temperature — must be reattached within six to 12 hours, due to rapid death of muscle tissue.

What happens if my hand is amputated through the wrist?

If your hand is amputated through or above the wrist, you may be given a full-arm prosthesis with an electric or mechanical hand. Some amputation patients may decide not to use a prosthesis.

What can a prosthesis do for an amputated finger?

Restore length to a partially amputated finger Enable opposition between the thumb and a finger Allow a hand amputee to stabilize and hold objects with bendable fingers If your hand is amputated through or above the wrist, you may be given a full-arm prosthesis with an electric or mechanical hand.