Related Experiment Videos
Long posterior flap versus equal sagittal flaps in below-knee amputation for ischaemia
N Falstie-Jensen1, K S Christensen, J Brøchner-Mortensen
1Department of Clinical Physiology and Orthopaedic Surgery, Aalborg Hospital, Denmark.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|January 1, 1989
Summary
For below-knee amputations, diabetic patients face higher complication rates with the long posterior flap technique. The sagittal flap is recommended for diabetic patients undergoing amputation to improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diabetic Limb Complications
- Microsurgery Techniques
Background:
- Below-knee amputation is a common procedure, particularly in diabetic patients.
- Surgical technique may influence complication rates.
- Assessing microcirculation pre-operatively is crucial for predicting outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare complication rates of different surgical techniques for below-knee amputations.
- To investigate the impact of diabetes on amputation outcomes.
- To evaluate the role of pre-operative skin perfusion pressure measurement.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of complication rates in 140 below-knee amputations.
- Comparison between long posterior flap and equal sagittal flaps.
- Pre-operative measurement of skin perfusion pressure below the knee.
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients had significantly higher complication rates with the long posterior flap compared to sagittal flaps.
- No significant difference in complication rates was observed between techniques in non-diabetic patients.
- Skin perfusion pressure was used to objectively evaluate microcirculation.
Conclusions:
- The sagittal technique is recommended for below-knee amputations in diabetic patients.
- Atherosclerotic lesions in diabetic patients may explain the increased complication rates with the posterior flap.
- Objective microcirculation assessment is vital in surgical planning for amputations.