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Methods for Acute and Subacute Murine Hindlimb Ischemia
Published on: June 21, 2016
'Time critical' rapid amputation using fire service hydraulic cutting equipment.
M J McNicholas1, S J Robinson, I Polyzois
1Department of Orthopaedics & Trauma, North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Warrington, Lovely Lane WA5 1QG, UK.
Injury
|June 4, 2011
Summary
Fire service hydraulic cutting equipment can perform rapid limb amputations in trauma emergencies when conventional methods fail. This study found the equipment effective for urgent amputations, though it caused greater bone comminution.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Trapped victims may require limb amputation for extrication.
- Standard techniques can be time-consuming or impossible in confined spaces.
- Fire service hydraulic cutting equipment offers a potential alternative for urgent amputations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fire service hydraulic cutting equipment for emergency limb amputation.
- To assess the impact of this equipment on bone and soft tissues.
- To compare amputation times with conventional methods.
Main Methods:
- Testing on porcine and fresh-frozen cadaveric lower limbs.
- Performing amputations at five distinct levels.
- Recording amputation time, number of cuts, and bone fracture propagation.
Main Results:
- Hydraulic cutting equipment achieved faster guillotine amputations in cadaveric limbs.
- Amputations were completed in one or two cutting actions.
- Increased degree and proximal extent of bone comminution were observed.
Conclusions:
- Conventional amputation by a medical practitioner is preferred when feasible.
- Hydraulic equipment can be a viable option for emergent amputations under medical supervision in critical situations.
- This technique may be life-saving when standard methods are too slow or restricted by the environment.