The general public's understanding of plastic surgery is poor. This may be linked to the misunderstanding of specialist titles and lack of education regarding this field.

This study presents a lower incidence of painful post-amputation neuroma to those published in the literature. This may be attributed to improved methodology. The described associations require further investigation into central factors leading to neuroma sensitization.

While timely recognition and re-exploration of the compromised free flap in the early postoperative setting is important in determining the flap salvage success, it is demonstrated that salvage rates are poorer for muscle only flaps compared with flaps with a skin paddle.

The long-term outcomes of osseointegration for digital amputations are not well established, and it is not known whether osseointegration can achieve similar function and patient satisfaction to conventional surgical options such as replantation and microsurgical toe transfer. We compared the long-term outcomes after digital osseointegration and replantation. Six patients treated by osseointegration and seven patients treated by replantation were included, with median follow-ups of 8 years and 4.6 years, respectively. Outcomes were assessed using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, grip and pinch strength, range of motion, two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein tests, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test and clinical photography. Osseointegration was associated with poorer sensibility and range of motion than replantation; no other differences reached statistical significance. Long-term osseointegration is a safe and effective reconstructive option that can deliver excellent outcomes in appropriately selected patients. Level of evidence: IV