Forefoot amputation

Surgical Principles The greatest possible foot length must be preserved. Already a few centimetres have a tremendous effect on standing and the dynamics of walking (Figure 2). One must also always aim at achieving tension-free coverage of the stump with skin from the sole of the foot. At the level of the toes, only partial amputations are permissible at the first digit or exarticulation at the metatarsophalangeal joint. The resection of individual metatarsal bones is always carried out at the metaphysis. Surgical scars should not be localized on the weight-bearing areas. Simple orthopaedic adjustments to sports- or ordinary shoes should suffice after surgery. First published in: Operat. Orthop. Traumatol. 3 (1991), 203–212 (German Edition).     

A retrospective study of functional outcomes after successful replantation versus amputation closure for single fingertip amputations

PURPOSE: To compare the functional outcome of successful microsurgical replantation versus amputation closure for single fingertip amputations. METHODS: Forty-six fingertip amputations in 46 patients (23 were replanted successfully, 23 had amputation closure) were included in this study. Thumb amputations were excluded. Grip strength and active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint were evaluated. The patients were questioned about their symptoms of pain, paresthesia, and cold intolerance. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was given and the disability/symptom score was evaluated. Patients' satisfaction with the surgical result was assessed. Time spent in the hospital and time off from work were reviewed. RESULTS: Active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint was greater in the successful replantation group. Although the existence of paresthesia and cold intolerance were not statistically different between the 2 groups, pain in the affected fingers was more frequent in the amputation closure group. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of the successful replantation group was statistically better. All patients in the successful replantation group were highly or fairly satisfied with the surgical results, whereas 14 patients in the amputation closure group were highly or fairly satisfied. The time spent in the hospital and the time off from work for the successful replantation group were longer. CONCLUSIONS: Successful replantation of single fingertip amputations can result in minimal pain, better functional outcome, better appearance, and higher patient satisfaction. We recommend attempting fingertip replantation not only to obtain the best appearance but also to gain better functional outcome. If the patient requests the simple surgery and earlier return to work amputation closure is an accepted method despite the disadvantage of digital shortening and the risk for a painful stump. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level III.     

Rückfußamputationen: Gegenwärtige Möglichkeiten

In Pirogoff and Syme amputation the reduced leg-length inequality, the positive effect of the long lever arm of the residual limb on the biomechanics of the gait patterns and the preserved proprioception of the plantar sole are potentially very beneficial. Despite the advantages the frequency of Syme and Pirogoff a among lower limb amputations remains low. After analysis of the present literature, the available studies are too heterogeneous to give a clear therapeutic recommendation for hind- foot amputations such as Pirogoff or Syme. Nevertheless, with an interdisciplinary holistic approach, a hind-foot amputation should be evaluated for the individual case in order to achieve an optimal functional outcome.     

Differences in treatment of digital amputation injuries based on community transfer versus tertiary initial presentation

Background

The purpose of this paper is to compare a group of patients with upper extremity amputation injuries who presented to a tertiary referral center without having been previously seen at another hospital versus a group of patients who was transferred from another facility. We hypothesize that transferred patients will generally undergo more complex treatments, that some transferred patients will be treated in the ER with simple treatments (thereby perhaps not requiring transfer), and that transferred patients will be less likely to have insurance coverage.

Methods

All patients who presented to our ER from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008 with the classification of hand and finger amputation were included. Data collected included whether or not the patient was transferred from another institution, age, mechanism of injury, partial versus total amputation, location treated, transportation method, general treatment classification, type of insurance, and month of presentation.

Results

No statistical difference was found between patients who were transferred versus those who were not with respect to age, sex, mechanism, whether the amputation was partial versus complete, or insurance coverage. Statistical differences were noted between the subset of patients who was transferred versus those who were not with respect to treatment location, method of transportation, and treatment.

Conclusions

Patients transferred to our institution required significantly more complex treatments and were significantly more likely to be treated in the operating room. A small but significant group of patients was treated in the ER or required relatively simple treatments after transfer. Our hypothesis that a higher percentage of patients transferred to our institution would have less insurance coverage was not supported by the data. Tertiary centers can expect to continue receiving a steady stream of amputation referrals.     

Distal Blood Pressure Measurement in Lower-Limb Amputees

Reamputation above the knee after failure of primary below-knee amputation was related to the distal blood pressure. With pressures of 20, 30 and 40 mmHg, two-thirds, one-third and one-seventh, respectively, of the below-knee amputations required reamputation above the knee.     

Alloplastik Von Metallgelenken

Reamputation above the knee after failure of primary below-knee amputation was related to the distal blood pressure. With pressures of 20, 30 and 40 mmHg, two-thirds, one-third and one-seventh, respectively, of the below-knee amputations required reamputation above the knee.     

Composite grafting for distal digital amputation with respect to injury type and amputation level

Abstract

Purpose. This study evaluated the composite graft survival rate in distal digital amputations with respect to injury type and amputation level. Methods. Twenty-seven patients with complete fingertip amputations (32 digits) distal to the distal interphalangeal joint who were treated by composite grafting from January 2010 to February 2012 were enrolled. Injury type was classified as clean-cut, blunt-cut, or crush-avulsion. Amputation level was classified according to Ishikawa’s classification: subzones I–IV. Graft survival was categorised as complete, partial, or no survival. Results. The graft was more likely to exhibit complete survival in clean-cut injuries (50%) than in blunt-cut (10%) or crush-avulsion injuries (12.5%). However, when complete and partial survival were combined, there was no significant difference among injury types (clean-cut = 83.3%, blunt-cut = 70.0%; crush-avulsion = 68.8%). Composite grafting in sub-zone I provided good results (complete survival = 50%; partial survival = 50.0%; no survival = 0%). When complete and partial survival were combined, there was no significant difference with respect to amputation level except sub-zone I (II = 70.6%; III = 66.7%; IV = 60%). In sub-zone II, clean-cut injuries exhibited better graft survival than blunt-cut or crush-avulsion injuries. In sub-zones III and IV, no complete graft survival was observed. Conclusion. In conclusion, all types of injuries in sub-zone I and clean-cut injuries in sub-zone II are candidates for composite grafting. Blunt-cut and crush-avulsion injuries in sub-zone II are marginal candidates for composite grafting. Any type of injury in sub-zone III or IV is contraindicated for composite grafting and should be treated by microanastomosis.     

Transmetatarsal amputation: A 12 year retrospective case review of outcomes

BackgroundDiabetic foot pathology has rapidly increased, presenting a vast economic burden with severe implications for patients. Establishing effective limb salvage techniques such as transmetatarsal amputation is essential to offer viable alternatives to major limb amputation in severe foot infection, where outcomes are variable and mortality rates high.MethodsA retrospective review of outcomes was performed on patients who underwent TMA at a single United Kingdom hospital between 2005–2017. Healing rate and time to healing, mortality, duration of hospital admission and incidence of revision surgery was evaluated.Forty-seven patients had 54 TMA’s by the Podiatric Surgery team. Data was assessed for Mean (SD) and Median. The impact of co-morbidities was considered and the perioperative and surgical management reviewed to identify techniques which may improve outcomes.ResultsA 78% healing rate was achieved. Six patients (11%) died before healing. The aremaining 11% did not heal and resulted in major limb amputation. No further surgery to the same foot was required after the TMA healed.A Median healing time of 83 days was identified and the Median duration of hospital admission was 24 days. Adjunctive wound care products may to have a positive impact on these factors.Five-year mortality was 43%, and demonstrated an association with renal and/or vascular pathology. All patients had diabetes, with many also having Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD). Almost all TMA’s failing to heal had PVD. The presence and severity of renal disease also seemed to have a negative impact on wound healing.ConclusionPositive healing and mortality rates with low need for revision surgery support TMA to be an effective alternative to major limb amputation. Adjunctive agents may have a positive impact on wound healing and length of hospital admission. Skilled surgical technique and Multidisciplinary work is essential for positive long-term outcomes and cost-effective care.     

Radical forequarter amputation with hemithoracectomy and free extended forearm flap: Technical and physiologic considerations

Background: A radical forequarter amputation with partial chest wall resection (one to four ribs) has been reported for benign and malignant lesions involving the shoulder and chest wall region. Concerns about reconstruction and postoperative pulmonary function have previously limited more extensive chest wall resections. The current report describes the first case in which a complete unilateral anterior and posterior chest wall resection and pneumonectomy (hemithoracectomy) accompany a forequarter amputation. A novel reconstructive technique used the full circumference of the forearm tissue with an intact ulna as a free osseomyocutaneous flap. Methods: In this case, a 21-year-old patient presented with an extensive recurrent desmoid tumor that involved the shoulder, brachial plexus, subclavian vein, and chest wall from the lateral sternal border to the midportion of the scapula and down to the eighth rib. The operative technique involved removal of the entire right hemithorax from the midline sternum to the transverse process posteriorly, down to the ninth rib inferiorly. Due to the absence of a rigid hemithorax, the uninvolved ipsilateral lung was also removed. The forearm flap was prepared before final separation of the specimen and division of the subclavian vessels. Results: Postoperatively, the patient maintained excellent oxygenation without atelectasis or fever and was extubated on the 15th postoperative day. As expected after pneumonectomy, significant decreases from preoperative to immediate postoperative values were noted for the vital capacity (VC) (from 4.87 L to 1.29 L), forced 1-s expiratory volume (FEV1) (from 3.77 L to 1.02 L), and inspiratory capacity (IC) (3.33 1 to 0.99 1). Rehabilitation included a specially designed external prosthesis to provide cosmesis and prevent scoliosis. By the 15th postoperative week the patient had returned to normal social and physical activities, with a gradual improvement in all respiratory parameters: VC 1.52 L, FEV1 1.29 L, IC 1.04 L. There has been no evidence of tumor recurrence at 1 year. Conclusions: This report provides evidence that a complete hemithoracectomy, pneumonectomy, and forequarter amputation can be safely performed for selective tumors involving the shoulder region with extensive chest wall invasion. Reconstruction may be achieved with an extended forearm osseomyocutaneous free flap with an excellent functional outcome. Presented at the 46th Annual Cancer Symposium of The Society of Surgical Oncology, Los Angeles, California, March 18–21, 1993.     

糖尿病足截肢技术进展

目的总结各种糖尿病足截肢技术的研究进展。方法查阅近年关于糖尿病足截肢技术的文献,进行综合分析。结果根据截肢平面的不同,糖尿病足的截肢技术可分为小范围截肢术和大范围截肢术两种,并衍生出多种截肢方法,截肢方式与方法的选择需要综合各种因素考虑。结论 对于糖尿病足截肢,应在保证截肢效果的前提下,尽可能降低截肢平面。患者的身体状况、糖尿病足累及的部位、组织的血流灌注情况、局部组织对感染的易感性、创口的愈合能力等是影响选择糖尿病足截肢方式和方法的重要因素。截肢后仍要重视糖尿病的综合治疗,防止截肢平面的进一步上升。     

Zehenamputation und Strahlresektion

BackgroundAlthough toe amputation and ray resection are suitable for the treatment of many pathologies, diabetic foot syndrome is the main cause for these amputations. In recent years there has been an increase in minor amputations compared to major amputations. By avoiding or turning away from major amputations, the minor amputations of the foot and their procedures have become the focus of surgical attention.Material and MethodsThe aim of this overview is to present the surgical technique of toe amputation and ray resection and its results in the current literature.ConclusionsToe amputations and ray resections are safe minor amputation procedures for many indications and offer quick weight bearing postoperatively. Despite good primary healing rates, interdisciplinary perioperative treatment in diabetic patients is substantial to keep re-amputation and mortality rates low.     

Use of a Pneumatic Tourniquet Improves Outcome Following Trans-tibial Amputation

BACKGROUND: It is traditionally taught that a pneumatic tourniquet is contraindicated for trans-tibial amputations in patients with peripheral arterial disease. However, tourniquets are used successfully during total knee arthroplasty in elderly patients. Vascular patients undergoing a trans-tibial amputation have a high perioperative mortality and morbidity-notably the need for wound revision or a higher amputation level. We hypothesised that a tourniquet, used during amputation, would reduce blood loss and subsequent complications without compromising healing. METHODS: This was a prospective non-randomized study of 89 adult patients who underwent a trans-tibial amputation between January 2001 and December 2003. The endpoints were: haemoglobin levels, the need for blood transfusion, perioperative morbidity, revision rate and mortality. Patients were divided into two groups: a group with a pneumatic tourniquet (n=42) and a group without (n=47). RESULTS: The haemoglobin fall was 14.8% in the non-tourniquet group and 5.6% in the tourniquet group, with a higher need for transfusion in the non-tourniquet group. The revision rate was 14.3% in the tourniquet group and significantly higher in the non-tourniquet group (38.3%). Mortality was similar in both groups: 7.1% for the tourniquet and 6.4% for the non-tourniquet group. CONCLUSION: The use of a pneumatic tourniquet is safe and significantly reduces both blood loss and transfusion requirements during trans-tibial amputation. A pneumatic tourniquet reduces revision rates by over 50%, with subsequent cost savings.