Reconstruction:
Philosophy
Hand reconstruction of any sort must take
into account a variety of factors which affect the chances of having a
satisfactory result - satisfactory to the patient, the patient's family
and the surgeon. These include:
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Psychological factors
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Expectations regarding appearance and function
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Motivation and ability to participate in rehabilitation
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Physical factors
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Individual wound healing physiology and tendency
toward stiffness and inflammation
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Missing parts
Unsalvagable parts
One must strive to remain optimistic yet practical.
Many interventions are possible, but some require an inordinate amount
of luck to be successful. It must be clear to all involved that some hand
operations may require a year or more for recovery.