Evaluation Of Blood Circulation In Replanted Digits Via Changes In Skin Temperature Monitored With A Prochecker((R))

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the time-course of changes in skin temperature and the postoperative survival of replanted digits. The skin temperatures of the amputated digits were monitored using a ProChecker((R)) paper thermometer (Kyowa Medics Co., Ltd. Tokyo) containing thermosensitive dye. The time-course of the changes in skin temperature for the digits amputated in zone 1 of Tamai's classification differed substantially from those in the other zones. The ProChecker((R)) was not a good indicator for the prediction of blood circulation in the replanted digits in zone 1. The critical temperature for distinguishing surviving digits from those with circulatory insufficiency among replanted digits in the other zones was considered to be 31 degreesC.