Open tibia fracture: amputation versus limb salvage. OPINION: limb salvage.
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Adult↗
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[Reoperation after limb salvage surgery with prosthesis for bone tumor].
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the causes and the reoperation therapies after salvage limb surgery with prosthesis for bone tumors. METHODS: The retrospective analysis was performed on 85 patients undergoing the limb salvage operation with prosthetic replacement for tumors from January 1994 to December 2004. Of the patients, 21 (13 males and 8 females, aged 18-58 years) underwent reoperations for various reasons. All the diagnoses were pathologically confirmed (10 patients with osteosarcoma, 4 with chondrosarcoma, 5 with giant cell tumor of the bone, 2 with osteofibrosarcoma). The distal femur was involved in 9 patients, proximal tibia in 8, proximal femur in 2, proximal humerus in 1, and acetabulum in 1. According to the Enneking surgical grading system, there were 5 patients in I B and 16 in II B. The time between the first operation and the reoperation was 2 weeks to 20 years. The common reasons for the reoperation were tumor recurrence in 8 patients, prosthetic loosening in 5, no healing of the incision in 4, joint dislocation in 3, and implant fracture in 1. The amputation and the prosthesis revision were respectively performed on 6 patients, extensive resection of the tumor on 3, the myo-skin flap translocation on 4, internal hemipelvectomy without reconstruction on 1, and open reduction on 1. RESULTS: The follow-up in 18 patients for 1-5 years (average, 3 years and 4 months) revealed that 4 patients died of osteosarcoma with pulmonary metastasis. The other 14 patients had no tumor recurrence or loosening of the prosthesis, and the incisions healed well. The assessment on the joint function was performed on 13 of the 18 patients and the results were as follows: excellent in 2 patients, good in 5, fair in 4, and poor in 2, with a satisfaction rate of the reoperation with limb salvage of 84.6% and an excellent-good rate of 53.8%. CONCLUSION: Tumor recurrence is the most common reason for the reoperation after the limb salvage with prosthesis for tumors, and loosening of the prosthesis is an important reason, too. By the rules of the bone tumor limb savage, the limb salvage operations can also be performed, which can achieve a satisfactory result of the limb function.
Adolescent↗
Pedal bypass for limb salvage: impact of diabetes on long-term outcome.
Use of pedal bypass can salvage limbs of patients with critical ischemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical revascularization of pedal arteries in diabetic patients and to assess the impact of diabetes on long-term outcome. We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive pedal bypasses done between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 1997. Demographic data, surgical indications, operative variables, and postoperative results including graft patency and limb salvage were compared between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The results of this comparison showed that pedal bypass can safely and effectively relieve critical ischemia in diabetic patients. Diabetics have less early graft thrombosis and superior long-term graft patency. Despite higher incidence of renal insufficiency or failure and more tissue loss, diabetics can achieve similar excellent limb salvage rates. This outcome justifies aggressive revascularization of pedal arteries in diabetic as well as nondiabetic patients with critical limb ischemia.
Adult↗
The influence of subintimal angioplasty on level of amputation and limb salvage rates in lower limb critical ischaemia: a 15-year experience.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the influence of subintimal angioplasty (SIA) on lower limb amputation rate and level in critically ischaemic limbs. METHODS: Between January 1989 and March 2004, 1268 patients were admitted for treatment of lower limb critical ischaemia. Eight hundred and twenty-nine patients underwent revascularisation (bypass 671 and angioplasty 158), while 439 patients had primary amputations. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained vascular registry was performed. Patients were divided into two groups, those who were admitted prior to the availability of subintimal angioplasty and those treated post-introduction of angioplasty. The two groups were compared with regards to age, sex, diabetes mellitus, ASA grade, Rutherford classification and level of disease. Outcome was assessed by the limb salvage rate, 30-day morbidity and mortality, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: The average number of revascularisation increased with the introduction of subintimal angioplasty, from 53 to 96 per year (p<0.001). The overall limb salvage rate increased significantly from 42 to 70% (p<0.001). The cumulative limb salvage rate following revascularisation rose from 72 to 86% (p<0.001). The level of amputation (AKA:BKA) did not vary significantly. Thirty-day morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the post-angioplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: Technical advances have resulted in a steadying of amputation numbers despite an ageing population.
Aged↗
Multifocal soft tissue sarcoma: limb salvage following hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion with high-dose tumor necrosis factor and melphalan.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prognosis for recurrent multifocal limb soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is dismal due to systemic spread. However, many of these patients undergo amputation due to ineffective local control. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and melphalan permits limb salvage and palliation for such patients. METHODS: Of 53 STS patients treated with hyperthermic ILP with TNF (3-4 mg) and melphalan (1-1.5 mg/kg), 13 (25%) had multifocal STS and were candidates for amputation. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 92% (12/13) with 38% complete response and 54% partial response. Two patients died during the early postoperative period. Limb salvage was achieved in 85% of patients. One patient (8%) had only stable disease and underwent amputation. Local recurrence occurred in 38% but did not result in amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of patients in this study is too small to allow definitive conclusions, it seems that ILP/TNF offer limb salvage and palliation for recurrent multifocal STS patients.
Adult↗
Extended deep femoral angioplasty and lumbar sympathectomy as a limb salvage procedure.
Limb salvage in 27 limbs (26 patients) using the combined operations of extended deep femoral angioplasty and lumbar sympathectomy is described. A successful result was obtained in 14 cases (52%) at 6 months falling to 12 (45%) at 16 months. Prediction of outcome and postoperative progress was monitored by the measurement of the leg: arm pressure ratio using the Doppler ultrasound apparatus. No patient with a preoperative ratio of less than 0.3 had a successful result. It is proposed that lumbar sympathectomy is a logical adjunct to surgery in these patients in order to enhance the development of the collateral circulation.
Aged↗
Special problems in limb-salvage surgery.
Limb-salvage surgery is a safe and effective treatment for malignancies of the musculoskeletal system. Careful evaluation and planning are necessary to avoid both early and late complications. Biopsy must be carefully performed to avoid unnecessary contamination and to obtain adequate tissue for an accurate diagnosis. Pathologic fractures present both a diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge, and evaluation strategies depend on the age of the patient. Treatment of a pathologic fracture depends on the location and the histology of the lesion and many host factors. Limb salvage may or may not be indicated. Instability is another problem with certain limb-salvage situations, e.g., when it is necessary to resect the scapula. Various approaches may obviate the problem. The salvage of failed limb-salvage procedures requires careful evaluation and planning. Patients with infections and local recurrences often require amputation surgery. Correctable problems following failed allograft reconstructions include collapse of the articular cartilage, joint instability, nonunion, and fracture of the allograft. Correctable problems following prosthetic arthroplasty include aseptic loosening, prosthetic fracture, and polyethylene wear. Approximately two thirds of patients with failed limb-salvage procedures will obtain a functional limb following revision surgery. Attention to these special problems may allow for greater success with limb-salvage surgery.
Biopsy↗
Endovascular therapy as the primary approach for limb salvage in patients with critical limb ischemia: experience with 443 infrapopliteal procedures.
Endovascular strategies for the treatment of critical infrageniculate peripheral arterial occlusive disease exist and are becoming the primary methodology for such lesions at many centers. Although technically feasible for experienced operators, the evidence to support this strategy for below the knee (BTK) interventions is still evolving. We studied the 6-month and 1-year outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone, PTA with stenting, and excimer laser recanalization for BTK lesions in patients with critical limb ischemia. Between September 2002 and June 2005, 443 patients (355 Rutherford category 4, 82 category 5, 6 category 6) underwent intervention for 681 BTK lesions. Follow-up was performed at 6-month intervals after index intervention: limb salvage data were recorded and duplex ultrasonography was performed to measure the patency of treated areas. The primary patency and limb salvage rates of the entire population were 85.2% and 97.0% and 74.2% and 96.6% at 6 months and 1 year, respectively. Stratified for the treatment strategy (PTA alone in 79, PTA with stenting in 300 patients, and excimer laser in 64), 1-year primary patency rates were 68.6%, 75.5%, and 75.4%, whereas the limb salvage rates were 96.7%, 98.6%, and 87.9% for each modality, respectively. Endovascular intervention will become the primary treatment for BTK lesions in patients with critical limb ischemia, with 1-year primary patency and limb salvage rates that compare favorably with published surgical data. Prospective, randomized, multicenter trials will be needed to further establish the role of endovascular intervention in this challenging patient group.
Angioplasty, Balloon↗
Advances in the treatment of sarcomas of the extremity. Current status of limb salvage.
Nonamputative limb salvage is possible for many patients with malignant skeletal or soft tissue sarcomas. Significant advances in pathology, radiology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical and biomechanical techniques have contributed to a better understanding of these diseases, and have provided the necessary techniques to achieve local tumor control without amputation. Integration of diagnostic and treatment modalities has reduced local recurrence and improved overall patient survival. Preoperative (neoadjuvant) therapy permits assessment of the treatment effect and appears to significantly improve selection of effective postoperative adjuvant therapy. As overall patient survival has improved, efforts to increase local tumor control and to evaluate long-term functional stability of the salvaged extremity are now possible.
Amputation, Surgical↗
The nursing role in limb salvage surgery.
Limb salvage surgery has proven itself as a valuable option for sarcoma patients. The reconstruction options are vast and include metallic implants, allografts, and a combination of both. The nursing implications for these patients are unlimited. The patient needs to be educated and assessed closely for complications such as infections, nonunion of the allograft, and limited mobility. Although the nursing care is more complicated, the rewards with working with these patients are great.
Bone Neoplasms↗
Infrainguinal bypass graft patency and limb salvage rates in critical limb ischemia: influence of the mode of presentation.
Rest pain, ulceration, and gangrene are often considered together in studies describing outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 152 infrainguinal bypass grafts performed on 128 patients with chronic critical limb ischemia over a 6-year period was carried out. Grafts were classified according to the mode of presentation and were followed up by regular clinical and duplex examinations. Mean follow-up period was 29 months (range 12 to 60 months). Patients' demographics, risk factors, and graft characteristics were not statistically different between the groups. The 5-year cumulative primary patency rates were 33%, 52%, and 51% for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.04). The 5-year cumulative primary assisted patency rates were 46%, 70%, and 72% for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.01). The 5-year cumulative secondary patency rates were 48%, 76%, and 75% for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.003). The 5-year cumulative limb salvage rates were 59%, 87%, and 83%, for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.01). Gangrene is a distinct subcategory of critical limb ischemia with a worse prognosis than ulceration and rest pain and should be classified as such when reporting results of infrainguinal bypass grafts.
Aged↗
Free tissue transfer to extend the limits of limb salvage for lower extremity tissue loss.
BACKGROUND: The extent of tissue loss amenable to primary healing after revascularization is unknown. Salvage of limbs with large soft-tissue defects with exposed tendon, joint, or bone lies beyond the limits of conventional techniques. We report our results using free tissue transfer as an adjunct to lower extremity vascular reconstruction in patients with complex ischemic or infected wounds. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patient and wound characteristics. RESULTS: From January 1992 to June 1996, 585 procedures were performed in 544 patients, including 27 free flaps in 26 patients: 17 free flaps combined with distal bypass (7 staged, 10 simultaneous) and 10 isolated free flaps. Flap donor sites included radial forearm (8), latissimus dorsi (7), rectus abdominus (9), and scapula (3). Surgical indications included extensive ischemic/neurotrophic ulcers, and nonhealing vein graft harvest incision or transmetatarsal amputation site. Mean area of tissue loss was 70 cm2, mean ulcer duration was 5 months, and 92% of patients had exposed tendon, joint, or bone. During a mean follow-up of 14 months, 2 patients died of cardiopulmonary disease and 3 flaps failed, resulting in below-knee amputation. Six flaps were revised for graft stenosis (1), venous thrombosis (1), or flap edge necrosis (4). Limb salvage rate was 70% at 24 months by life-table analysis. Functional ambulation was achieved in 21 of 24 (88%) patients, including 7 of 8 with diabetes, end-stage renal disease, and heel ulcers. CONCLUSION: In select ambulatory patients with large soft-tissue defects and exposed deep structures, functional limb salvage is obtainable in more than 80% of patients. For lesions not amenable to vascular reconstruction with conventional methods of wound coverage, free tissue transfer extends the limits of limb salvage and is a viable alternative to amputation.
Adult↗
Psychological outcome of extremity sarcoma survivors undergoing amputation or limb salvage.
When compared to amputation, limb salvage procedures for extremity sarcomas have been advocated because of potential functional benefits and presumed psychological-outcome advantages. The purpose of this study was to compare psychological outcomes between survivors who underwent either amputation or limb salvage procedures for extremity sarcomas. Fifteen amputees and 20 patients with salvaged limbs (mean age, 37.9 years; range, 15 to 71 years) were evaluated 1 to 5 years after surgery for extremity sarcomas. Demographic and medical information was obtained and cognitive functioning, affect, mood, body image, physical functioning, global psychological adjustment to illness and surgery, and lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders before and after surgery were assessed. Two patients were excluded because of the presence of an incapacitating organic mental syndrome. The remaining patients, 14 amputees and 19 patients with salvaged limbs, had a variety of soft-tissue and bone sarcomas. No significant differences were found between the groups in age, sex, marital status, surgically involved extremity, chemotherapy status, and social class at the time of surgery and interviews. There were no significant differences between the groups in scores of cognitive capacity, symptoms, mood, body image changes, global physical functioning, global adjustment to illness and surgery, and lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders before or after surgery. Most patients revealed only mild psychological symptoms and 55% demonstrated good to excellent adjustment to their surgeries and diseases. There were no significant differences in measures of psychological outcome for patients with extremity sarcomas who underwent limb salvage procedures compared to those who underwent amputation. A psychological-outcome advantage of limb-salvage surgery compared to amputation has yet to be demonstrated.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Complex limb salvage or early amputation for severe lower-limb injury: a meta-analysis of observational studies.
PURPOSE: Leg threatening injuries present patients and clinicians with a difficult decision: whether to pursue primary amputation or limb salvage? The purpose of our study was to review the literature in an effort to inform this management decision. METHODS: We systematically searched and selected observational studies that reported on individuals presenting with leg threatening injuries comparing outcomes of limb salvage versus primary amputation. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE. We reported on the following outcomes, and pooled data across trials when possible: length of hospital stay, total rehabilitation time, cost, clinical outcomes, failure rate for limb salvage, function & quality of life, pain, return to work, factors associated with poor outcome, and patient preference. RESULTS: Nine observational studies contributed data to our systematic review. The current evidence suggests that while length of hospital stay is similar for limb salvage and primary amputation, length of rehabilitation and total costs are higher for limb salvage patients. Salvage patients requires greater additional surgery and are significantly more likely to undergo re-hospitalization. Long-term functional outcomes (up to 7 years post injury) are equivalent between limb salvage and primary amputation; both forms of management are associated with high rates of self-reported disability (40%; to 50%;), and functional status continues to worsen over time. Report of pain following limb salvage or primary amputation is similar. Return to work is essentially the same between limb salvage and primary amputation groups, with approximately half of such patients returning to competitive employment at 2 years post injury. Both clinical and psychosocial factors are associated with poorer functional outcomes. At the time of injury patients prefer limb salvage, but the majority of failed salvage patients would opt for early amputation if they could decide again. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Functional outcome among patients who present with leg-threatening injuries are not significantly different, at least up to 7 years, whether they are managed with limb salvage or primary amputation. Research to optimize triage decisions to avoid failed limb salvage as well as on interventions targeting important psychosocial prognostic variables should be considered a priority.
Amputation, Surgical↗
Functional outcome after soft-tissue reconstruction for limb salvage after sarcoma surgery.
Limb salvage has been achieved for patients with sarcoma by means of compartmental resection, soft-tissue reconstruction, and adjuvant therapy without increased rates of local recurrence, metastasis, or mortality. Despite the prevalence of limb salvage procedures in the treatment of these tumors, relatively little information has been published regarding late functional results in these reconstructed extremities. This study reports on the functional outcome for soft-tissue reconstruction for limb salvage in patients with sarcoma. Over the past 6 years, 28 patients were treated for sarcomas of the extremity in which soft-tissue reconstruction was needed for complete limb salvage. The mean age of these patients was 48 years (range, 14 to 83 years); there were 14 male and 14 female patients. Of the 28 sarcomas, 23 cases involved the lower extremity and 5 cases were in the upper extremity. Reconstruction was performed primarily in 12 patients; 16 reconstructions were performed secondarily because of wound complications after initial extirpation. Adjuvant radiation therapy was administered either preoperatively or postoperatively in all cases. Of the 33 reconstructive procedures performed in these 28 patients, 16 involved free flaps and 17 involved local flaps. All patients achieved initial limb salvage after the reconstructive procedure(s). Mean follow-up was 38 months. Twenty patients were available for the evaluation portion of the study. Two patients had delayed amputations: one for recurrent disease and another for osteoradionecrosis. Two patients died before beginning the examination process: one patient from the sarcoma and another patient from colon cancer. Twenty of the remaining 24 patients agreed to participate and were examined using the Enneking outcome measurement scale. Patients were examined for range of motion, deformity, stability, pain level, strength, functional activity, and emotional acceptance and assigned a numerical score for each category. Based on this, an overall rating of excellent, good, fair, or poor was assigned. Nine patients (45 percent) achieved an overall rating of excellent, five patients (25 percent) achieved a rating of good, and six patients (30 percent) achieved a fair score. None had received a rating of poor. There were no differences in the results obtained comparing upper versus lower extremity, immediate versus delayed reconstruction, or reconstructions performed with a free flap versus a pedicled flap. This study supports the continued use of soft-tissue reconstruction for limb salvage in sarcoma surgery with good to excellent late functional results obtained in the majority of patients.
Adolescent↗
A new look at outcomes after infrainguinal bypass surgery: traditional reporting standards systematically underestimate the expenditure of effort required to attain limb salvage.
BACKGROUND: Graft patency, limb salvage, and mortality are the traditional means of assessing the outcome of infrainguinal bypass surgery (IBS). However, these measures underestimate patient morbidity and fail to consider the entire spectrum of treatment required to restore the patients to their premorbid state. The aim of this study was to quantify the efforts required to achieve limb salvage by assessing three nontraditional outcomes: (1). index limb reoperation rate in 3 months, (2). hospital readmission rate in the first 6 months after IBS, and (3). wound-healing time. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 318 IBSs performed at a single institution. Repeat operations for limb or graft-related problems and readmissions within 6 months of the initial operation were recorded. When available, wound-healing time was determined. Pertinent demographics and comorbidities were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis to determine risk factors for adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of patients underwent IBS for critical limb ischemia (CLI), and 84% had below-knee popliteal or distal bypasses. Among those who underwent IBS for CLI, 48.9% of patients required at least one reoperation within 3 months. Within 6 months, 49.3% of patients required hospital readmission. Time to heal exceeded 3 months in 54% of patients. After multivariate analysis, tissue loss and minority status were significant risk factors for reoperation within 3 months. Tissue loss and renal failure increased the odds for readmission within 6 months. Diabetes was the sole risk factor for prolonged wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: IBS for limb salvage is often complicated by prolonged recovery and multiple reoperations and readmissions. Traditional reporting standards for limb salvage operations need modification to reflect the true outcome of such procedures.
Aged↗
Pantaloon vein graft technique in tibial revascularization with arteriovenous fistula for limb salvage.
Graft patency and limb salvage in 91 successive patients operated upon between April 1989 and April 1994 with a human umbilical vein graft combined with an adjunctive arteriovenous fistula at the distal anastomosis of the prosthetic graft in a single limb were evaluated. All the patients operated on were in the 'limb salvage' category. On discharge from hospital 91% of the revascularized limbs were salvaged. Secondary cumulative patency at 57 months was 57.3% with a 61.5% limb salvage rate. This technique, which has anatomical and haemodynamic advantages, results in improved graft patency and foot salvage rates in patients with critical leg ischaemia and poor distal run-off when autologous saphenous vein is absent or cannot be used.
Aged↗
Infrapopliteal transcatheter interventions for limb salvage in diabetic patients: importance of aggressive interventional approach and role of transcutaneous oximetry.
OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether infrapopliteal transcatheter interventions can salvage ischemic limbs in diabetic patients referred for below the knee amputation at our institution. BACKGROUND: The value of transcatheter interventions in diabetic crural arteries is controversial. Tissue oxygen partial pressure (TCO2) levels < 40 mm Hg predict poor wound healing. METHODS: Percutaneous interventions were performed in 29 consecutive diabetic patients in need of limb salvage. Technical success was defined as < 20% residual vessel stenosis. Clinical success was defined as the avoidance of amputation and achievement of wound healing. At hospital discharge, patients were treated with Coumadin and aspirin. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) and TCO2 measurements were obtained before and after the intervention. RESULTS: After 12-month follow-up, six patients had presistent wounds, whereas 23 experienced wound healing. Forty of the 50 infrapopliteal arteries successfully dilated were occluded, with a mean (+/-SD) lesion length of 18.0 +/- 3.5 cm. After the procedure, TCO2 improved from 27.82 +/- 9.97 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.95 to 31.69) to 54.5 +/- 14.73 mm Hg (95% CI 48.79 to 60.21, p < 0.0001), whereas the ABI did not (p > 0.2). TCO2 predicted procedural and clinical success (p < 0.0182). CONCLUSIONS: Infrapopliteal transcatheter interventions in diabetic patients may salvage the majority of limbs doomed to amputation. Although TCO2 measurements are valuable in predicting wound healing and success after interventions, ABI measurements are not.
Angiography↗