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A successful replantation of a totally avulsed scalp, including both eyebrows, with only one arterial and one venous anastomosis to the superficial temporal vessels is described. Apart from a small partial skin necrosis of the right eyebrow, the entire transplant survived. Subsequently, the patient required only minor additional skin grafting, correction of scars with a skin expander, and reconstruction of the eyebrow with hair micrografts. Replantation of the total scalp based on two or more vessels has previously been recommended and reported elsewhere. In the present case, complete survival of the scalp on only one artery and one vein was demonstrated, indicating that replantation should be considered even if available vessels for anastomosis are minimal.

We retrospectively reviewed the use of biodegradable hemi-cerclage sutures in the treatment of 79 metacarpal fractures in 66 patients. The polyglycolic acid hemi-cerclages achieved sufficient fracture fixation to permit early motion exercises, but fractures were also immobilized for a mean of 3.7 (range, 1.5-6) weeks postoperatively, during which time physiotherapy was given. Adequate bony stability was achieved after a mean of 4.5 (range, 3.5-7) weeks and fracture redisplacement occurred in only one case.

Transplantation of a finger from the contralateral hand for thumb reconstruction is seldom done because of possible psychological problems for the patient. We present two cases in which a previously damaged index finger of the contralateral hand was transplanted. In both patients the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger replaced that of the thumb. A powerful pinch to the fingers was achieved and the appearance of both the donor and the recipient hands was considerably improved.