Thumb amputations are common roping injuries. The thumb can be caught between the saddle horn and the rope. As the calf is caught and the horse stops, the thumb can be "pulled off" on the roping hand if it is between the saddle horn and the rope. The result is typically an amputation of the thumb with tendon pulling away from the hand.
Picture of the patient's hand taken prior to surgery.
Picture showing the amputated part re-attached.
The day after the surgery to re-attach the thumb it started to become dusky, blue looking. This indicated that there was a problem with the re-vascularization, specifically of the venous return.
A medical leech was utilized (red arrow is pointing to the leech) to regain blood flow through the venous system.
2 days after leech therapy. The thumb color is more normal, indicating good blood flow. The skin around the area
is be begining to slough off.
Patient's function 7 months after the injury. He has good pinch of his thumb and ring finger, and movement of his thumb.
Thumb amputations are common roping injuries. The thumb can be caught between the saddle horn and the rope. As the calf is caught and the horse stops, the thumb can be "pulled off" on the roping hand if it is between the saddle horn and the rope. The result is typically an amputation of the thumb with tendon pulling away from the hand.
