[Transmetatarsal border zone amputation in arterial blood supply disorders]

Transmetatarsal amputations (TA) were performed in 32 patients (22 men, 10 women; mean age 64 [40-91] years) with occlusive arterial disease. Previous revascularization procedures (bypass, thrombendarterectomy, embolectomy) had been performed in 26 patients. Surgical results of TA after one year were good in 16, satisfactory in seven, and unsatisfactory in nine. Further amputations became necessary after a mean of 52 (4-221) days in four of the six patients without and five of 26 with previous revascularization. Follow-up examination 1-6 years after discharge found that six had died, 16 were able to walk and fully rehabilitated, while in ten walking was limited and they required help in walking.