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Dorsal root entry zone lesions for post-amputation pain.

Chronic pain following an amputation may involve the stump, the phantom limb, or both. Operations such as rhizotomy, cordotomy, stump revision, and dorsal column stimulation have been unsuccessful in treating this condition. This study evaluates the effectiveness of dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) coagulation for this pain problem. The authors studied 22 patients with amputations due to trauma, gangrene, or cancer. All developed post-amputation pain, underwent a DREZ procedure, and were followed from 6 months to 4 years after surgery. Overall, only eight (36%) of these 22 patients had pain relief. However, good results were obtained in six (67%) of nine patients with phantom pain alone, and in five (83%) of six patients with traumatic amputations associated with root avulsion. Poor results were obtained in patients with both phantom and stump pain, or stump pain alone. The DREZ procedure has a limited, but definite, place in the treatment of post-amputation pain.

Adult↗

Energy demands for walking in dysvascular amputees as related to the level of amputation.

Cardiac function and oxygen consumption were measured in 25 patients who underwent amputation for peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and in five similarly aged control patients with PVD. Five patients at each of the midfoot, Syme's, below-, through-, and above-knee amputation levels and the five controls were measured at rest, normal walking speed, and maximum walking speed on a treadmill. At normal walking speed, all of the patients functioned at approximately 80% of their cardiac capacity. Normal walking speed and cadence decreased and oxygen consumption per meter walked increased with more proximal amputation. The ratio of cardiac function and oxygen consumption at normal walking speed as compared with at rest increased with more proximal amputation, and the capacity to increase walking speed and oxygen consumption lessened. Our results suggest that peripheral vascular insufficiency amputees function at a level approaching their maximum functional capacity. At more proximal amputation levels, the capacity to walk short or long distances is greatly impaired.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Lower limb amputation in a general hospital: a comparative review.

This paper presents the results of a recent review of lower limb amputations carried out in a general hospital, and compares them with those of previous study of similar amputations. Particular attention is paid to the type of amputation-below-knee, through-knee or above-knee--and the associated morbidity, mortality and rehabilitation prospects. There is a need for an active approach to the problems of amputation with emphasis on preoperative preparation of the patient, the operation itself and rehabilitation follow-up in an amputation clinic.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Diabetes-related lower-limb amputations in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of diabetes-related lower-limb amputations and its regional variations in Australia. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analysis of a hospital morbidity dataset in Australia. METHODS: Analysis of the National Hospital Morbidity Database of all hospital separations for the ICD codes 84.10-84.19 (lower-limb amputations) and 250.0-250.9 (diabetes and its complications) for the financial years 1995-96 to 1997-98. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Number of lower-limb amputations in people with diabetes mellitus in Australia, and in each State and Territory. RESULTS: 7887 diabetes-related lower-limb amputations were reported during the study period, with a mean +/- SD of 2629 +/- 47 per year. The prevalence in Australia was 13.97 per 100,000 total population, and varied from 11.34 per 100,000 in the Australian Capital Territory to 20.68 per 100,000 in South Australia. CONCLUSION: Diabetes-related lower-limb amputation poses a substantial personal and public health cost in Australia.

Adolescent↗

Transmetatarsal amputation. A successful approach to limb salvage.

To assess the outcome of transmetatarsal amputations of the foot, data were analyzed for all transmetatarsal and midfoot amputations performed at the Lebanon Veterans Health Administration Medical Center for the period 1984 to 1990. During this 6-year period, 42 consecutive transmetatarsal and midfoot amputations were performed on 39 patients. Patient demographics, factors leading to amputation, level of amputation, outcome, function, and long-term complications were analyzed. Overall healing rate was 83.3%, with an average length of hospital stay of 35.7 days (range 3 to 96 days). Average follow-up period was 30.2 months (range 2 to 65 months).

Adult↗

Panmetatarsal head resection. A viable alternative to the transmetatarsal amputation.

While the transmetatarsal amputation has resulted in the salvage of numerous diabetic limbs, it remains an ablative procedure with both short- and long-term complications. The authors reviewed their experience with the panmetatarsal head resection as an alternative to the transmetatarsal amputation. A retrospective review was performed of all patients having undergone this procedure between May 1986 and November 1991. Thirty-seven procedures were performed; of these, 34 were evaluated. The average follow-up period was 20.9 months. Thirty-two feet showed primary healing while one showed delayed healing. One patient had local recurrence of the original ulceration. Primary healing was 94% while overall success was 97%. No patient required amputation of any kind. The authors conclude that the panmetatarsal head resection is a viable alternative to the transmetatarsal amputation in properly selected patients because it avoids many of the structural and biomechanical pitfalls of the transmetatarsal amputation.

Adult↗

A biomechanical model for the transmetatarsal amputation.

The transmetatarsal amputation has been performed for over 40 years as a limb salvage procedure, in diabetic patients with nonhealing ulcerations or nonreconstructible ischemia. It is generally believed that the transmetatarsal amputation provides a better walking extremity than a more proximal amputation and is more energy efficient. A review of the literature reveals little regarding the biomechanics of the "short foot." The authors will review the functions of the myofascial structures in both the normal foot and the transmetatarsal amputation and discuss the influence of mechanics on transmetatarsal amputation lesions.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Atherosclerosis in amputated legs of patients with and without diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the histomorphologic appearance of atherosclerosis in amputated legs of diabetic and non-diabetic patients. METHODS: Twenty-eight legs amputated below the knee for chronic ischaemia were studied. Fourteen legs were amputated in patients with diabetes (10 Type II, 4 nonclassified) and 14 in non-diabetics. The mean age of patients at the time of the amputation was 63.3 years in diabetics and 63.9 years in non-diabetics. Samples were taken from the main arteries at the following levels: the midleg, 5 cm above the ankle, 3 cm below the ankle and 10 cm below the ankle. Cross-sections of the arteries were examined with light microscopy and the severity of the occlusive disease determined using morphometric analysis. Medial calcification and chronic inflammation were assessed semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Arteries at 5 cm above the ankle were more severely stenotic in diabetics than in non-diabetics (p<0.05). In both diabetics and non-diabetics the posterior tibial and plantar arteries appeared to be the most stenotic. Medial calcification tended to be more prominent in diabetics than in non-diabetics. Chronic inflammation in the arterial wall occurred at the same degree in diabetics and non-diabetics. In non-diabetics chronic inflammation was more severe in the posterior tibial and plantar arteries than in the anterior tibial and dorsalis pedis arteries (p<0.04). Chronic arterial inflammation correlated with the severity of chronic arterial occlusive disease (p<0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In diabetics occlusive disease in amputated legs is more severe in arteries above the ankle than in non-diabetics. However, no difference was demonstrated in this series in arteries of the ankle and foot. Diabetics are likely to have more medial calcification in the arteries than non-diabetics. Chronic inflammation in the arterial wall is associated with more severe stenosis.

Amputation, Surgical↗

[Multiple amputations due to sepsis: however, functional rehabilitation is possible].

Three patients had several major amputations because of disseminated intravascular coagulation accompanying purpura fulminans. A 31-year-old woman underwent a transfemoral amputation after a septic shock caused by haemolytic streptococcus A, which led to gangrene. A 57-year-old woman had a bilateral transtibial amputation after pneumococcaemia, and the third patient, a 37-year-old woman, underwent a quadruple amputation following a meningococcal septic shock. The amputations were accompanied by contractures and skin damage due to ischaemic tissue changes. Additionally, cerebral and peripheral nerve dysfunction occurred. An intensive rehabilitation programme led to completely independent functioning with the use of orthotics and prosthetics. By starting a multidisciplinary approach as early as possible impairments can be treated properly and future disabilities minimized.

Adult↗

[Amputations and mortality in elderly insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes].

The diabetic foot syndrome has a strong impact on the morbidity of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, since diabetics have a 22-fold higher amputation rate. The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective evaluation of elderly insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes, giving special consideration to the diabetic foot syndrome. 94 consecutively admitted patients (mean age 68 years; mean diabetes duration 13 years) were re-evaluated 2, 5 and 10 years after participation in a 5-day insulin treatment and teaching programme for patients with type 2 diabetes. During the 10-year follow-up period 60 (64%) patients had died. Of the remaining 34 patients 33 were evaluated personally or by phone. All patients still alive had no acute foot complications and no amputations during the 10-year follow-up period. In these patients an acceptable level of metabolic control and acute metabolic decompensations was found. However, in 55 deceased patients (no data were available for 5 patients) 20 above-knee amputations (1 patient on both legs) and 2 fore-foot amputations were performed. This shows that severe complications as amputations associated with high mortality will be grossly underestimated, unless deceased patients are included in follow-up studies. An improved care for the feet of elderly insulin-treated patients is needed.

Aged↗

The use of the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and other threshold tests for preventing foot ulceration and amputation in persons with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence supporting the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) and other threshold testing in preventing ulcers and amputation. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the MEDLINE database using the Medical Subject Headings ("diabetic foot" or "diabetes mellitus" and ["foot ulcer" or "foot diseases"]) and ("sensory threshold" or "touch" or "vibration" or "monofilament [text word]" or "two point discrimination [text word]") restricted to studies with human subjects and published in the English language between 1985 and 2000. DATA ABSTRACTION: The studies were abstracted by one author (J.M.) and confirmed by the second author (J.S.). SELECTION CRITERIA: The studies had to contain original data collection and SWM or another threshold assessment method. DATA COLLECTION/ANALYSIS: All articles were abstracted for study design, testing method, population, and results. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 6 prospective studies using SWMs and 4 with vibration perception thresholds (VPTs), including 1 randomized controlled trial. The increased risk of ulceration ranged from an odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 to 9.99, and the risk of amputation was a relative risk of 2.9 using the SWM and an OR of 4.38 to 7.99 for VPT. The randomized controlled trial of screening plus treatment for those with previous ulcers had no significant decrease in the number of ulcers or minor amputations but showed significantly fewer major amputations. CONCLUSIONS: The SWM is currently the best choice for screening for clinically significant neuropathy because it is portable, inexpensive, painless, easy to administer, acceptable to patients, and provides good predictive ability for the risk of ulceration and amputation. Once the patient without protective sensation has been identified, management with protective footwear and patient education to prevent damage should be instituted but compliance is often difficult to implement.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Postoperative management of transtibial amputations in VA hospitals.

Rigid plaster dressings and immediate postoperative prostheses (IPOP) in patients undergoing transtibial amputations have been reported to reduce pain and healing time, prevent knee flexion contractures, and expedite early ambulation compared to soft dressings. Yet, despite the reported benefits, surgical adoption of (conventional) rigid dressings and IPOP has been inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to determine the current postoperative transtibial amputation dressing practices in VA hospitals. A six-item questionnaire was sent to 134 surgeons at the 117 VA hospitals where transtibial amputations were performed in fiscal year 1999. Responses were received from 83% of the surgeons. During the 1999 study year, surgeons performing transtibial amputations used soft dressings on 67% of patients, conventional rigid dressings with no intent to apply a foot attachment on 14% of patients, removable rigid dressings on 14% of patients, and IPOP (almost exclusively without a foot) on 5% of patients. The application of a rigid dressing or IPOP did not correlate well with the total number of transtibial amputations performed by the surgeon, hospital bed size, or academic affiliation.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Perceptions of amputation before and after gunpowder.

Woodall's remark on limb amputation, in 1617, that "it is no small presumption to Dismember the Image of God", reflected lingering doubts attributable to widespread ancient beliefs or taboos which, at least during the early historic period, shunned elective amputations completely. Death was preferred to operative destruction of the body's integrity, even when societies were aware of traumatic, disease-induced and legal amputations, eventually to be accepted and managed rationally. Deep-rooted resistance to planned dismemberment became unbalanced by the malevolent wounds of gunshot missiles which contrasted vividly with cold steel and blunt injuries of earlier warfare. Massive soft tissue destruction, bone comminution and, above all, embedded missiles and clothing posed perplexing complications for both patients and surgeons, often causing gangrene and death. Finally despite resultant deformity, amputation was recognised as a means of preserving life. It is maintained the philosophical perception, believing it is better to live with three limbs than to die with four, gained acceptance due to the persuasive influence of gunpowder on battlefields and in battle-ships. Notwithstanding, until carbolised catgut ligatures were employed amputation remained a hazardous procedurep it persists as a repugnant operation of last resort.

Amputation, Surgical↗

[The role of risk factors in exploitation of lower extremity prosthesis after amputation in adults].

The author presents the influence of gender, age, main disease that lead to amputation, other concomitant diseases, side of amputation and number of years since amputation on prosthesis exploitation by adult patients. The aim of this paper was to assess which risk factors and to what degree influence the exploitation of prosthesis of the lower extremities. The analysis was based on the Yule Q correlation factor. The best prognosis was found for male patients less than 60 years old with below-the-knee traumatic amputations. The worst prognosis was for female patients with amputations at femur level with concomitant diabetes and smoking.

Amputation, Traumatic↗

Factors influencing the early outcome of major lower limb amputation for vascular disease.

A consecutive series of 349 primary lower limb amputations for vascular disease, done during 1992-1998, were reviewed for amputation level, revision, complications and death, seeking associations with the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade and pre-operative co-morbidities of patients. Attempted revascularisation, and seniority of surgeon supervising the amputation were also examined for their possible influence on outcome. There were 312 patients (163 male) aged 39-92 years (median, 76 years). The majority of patients were ASA 3 or 4 (76%), and ASA 4 was associated with increased mortality (P < 0.01). Limiting heart problems (P < 0.01) and 'general frailty' (P < 0.001) also carried significantly higher risks of death, but limiting chest problems, dementia, and diabetes mellitus did not. There was no significant association between attempts at revascularisation at any time before amputation, and amputation level or the need for revision. There were no differences between consultants, registrars, and senior house officers (most senior surgeon) for any outcome measure. This study documents the medical status of amputees more clearly than usual, and demonstrates the effect of co-morbidity on the substantial mortality of these patients. The results support an aggressive policy of attempted revascularisation, and show that properly trained junior surgeons obtain satisfactory results.

Adult↗

[A report of 115 cases of amputation after electric injury].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the main features of amputation subsequent to electric injury. METHODS: One hundred and fifteen cases of amputation were analyzed with the purpose to define the indication, the optimal level, operational methods and the prognosis. RESULTS: The incidences of amputation in this group were 45.4% for upper and 14.9% for lower extremities, respectively. The indications were total necrosis of the extremities, secondary necrosis of the extremities due to the thrombosis, bleeding and rupture of the major supplying arteries and failure to restore severely injured tissue. The commonest amputation levels were the mid third and the upper third of the forearms. The primary healing rate was 63.5%. CONCLUSION: It was very important to identify the optimal indications, the proper levels and operational methods for the amputation after electric injury, so as to make stumps more suitable for the installation of artificial limbs to restore better function.

Amputation, Surgical↗

[The transmetacarpal oblique amputation of the index finger].

The main principles underlying amputation of the index finger are discussed. In two follow-up groups of patients the results have been compared of longest-possible finger stump versus transmetacarpal amputation of the second ray. Measurements were made of rough power (Vigorimeter) and pinch-grip power (Intrinsicmeter, Mannerfelt). Both measurements revealed higher power in the group with transmetacarpal amputation. Rehabilitation was likewise more rapid and favourable. For pinch grip the resected index finger is replaced by the midfinger without difficulty. Rough power is not impaired by narrowing of the hand. Transmetacarpal amputation of the second ray is thus a procedure to be advocated. The "small amputation of the index finger" now in more common use often provides merely a useless stump.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Controversies in amputation surgery.

Amputation surgery should be the first step in the rehabilitation of a patient with a nonfunctional limb, rather than the final step in treatment. When faced with a difficult decision regarding lower extremity amputation compared with attempted limb reconstruction, expectations for a reasonable outcome must be determined. After reasonable goals have been set, the surgery should be directed toward interfacing with a prosthetic limb. Current surgical techniques of lower extremity amputation, paying special attention to transosseous versus disarticulation amputation, help to optimize prosthetic limb fitting and functional rehabilitation. With the evolution of end-bearing amputation levels, there is resurgent interest in the bone bridging technique of Johann Ertl and interest in a new pneumatic immediate postoperative prosthetic limb fitting system.

Amputation, Surgical↗