Operative management of self-inflicted upper extremity amputations: A retrospective case series.

INTRODUCTION

Self-inflicted upper extremity amputation is a rare injury which leaves surgeons with unique operative considerations. Although psychiatric decompensation is traditionally considered a contraindication to replantation, available evidence is limited to isolated case reports and small series. Hence, we sought to describe the injury characteristics, psychiatric comorbidities, operative decision-making, and clinical outcomes of patients with self-inflicted upper extremity amputations.

METHODS

A retrospective review of traumatic upper extremity amputations and replantations was performed from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2024. Accidental, occupational, non-self-inflicted injuries and all lower extremity amputations were excluded. Demographics, psychiatric history, injury characteristics, operative management, postoperative course, adherence to therapy, and clinical outcomes were summarized descriptively.

RESULTS

Seven patients met inclusion criteria; five were male (71%). Most patients reported the injury as a suicide attempt (71%). Major depressive disorder was the most common psychiatric diagnosis (57%). Injury mechanisms were knife (43%), saw (43%), and lawnmower-related trauma (14%). Amputation levels included digits (43%), midcarpal row (29%), and distal forearm (29%); 29% were bilateral. Three patients (43%) underwent replantation and four (57%) underwent revision amputation. All patients underwent surgical intervention prior to psychiatric consultation, and no patient was denied replantation due to psychiatric instability. No acute postoperative suicide attempts or attempts at re-amputation were documented in the replantation group.

CONCLUSION

Psychiatric comorbidity did not preclude operative replantation and no patients attempted reinjury or re-amputation during observed follow-up. Although the heterogeneity of these injuries confers unique reconstructive challenges and rehabilitation demands, replantation decisions should be guided by objective surgical criteria, anticipated postoperative engagement, rehabilitation potential, and the likelihood of achieving meaningful functional recovery, with early psychiatric involvement to support stability and optimize longitudinal outcomes.