[An example of excellent functional adaptation in a patient with a four-digit amputation: case report].

We present the case of an 84-year-old man who shortly after the 2nd World War lost 4 digits (including the thumb) of his left hand due to an explosion. In spite of severe mutilation he completed school education, passed the secondary school leaving examination, and was employed in the mechanical industry. He perfectly adapted to his disability: he performed tasks in mechanical workshops and achieved car as well as motorcycle driving licences. He had been employed full time until retirement. Clinical examination of the affected hand revealed total grip strength of 10 kG (31% of the other hand), good function (the DASH score of 17) and overall good quality of life as assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire. This case shows the enormous capacity of a human to adapt to physical disability, and potential in the restoration of function.