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Near-Complete Traumatic Amputation of the Forefoot After Motorboat Propeller Injury
Julia S Retzky1, Casey Jo Humbyrd1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics
|January 31, 2022
Summary
A severe foot amputation from a motorboat propeller injury required surgical repair and antibiotics. This case highlights the risks of watercraft accidents and the importance of prompt medical intervention for traumatic limb injuries.
Area of Science:
- Podiatric surgery
- Traumatology
- Marine medicine
Background:
- Motorboat propeller injuries are a significant cause of traumatic limb damage.
- Saltwater environments pose unique challenges due to potential contamination.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old male presented with a near-complete forefoot amputation due to a motorboat propeller injury in a saltwater river.
- The injury involved extensive soft tissue damage and bone trauma.
Findings:
- The patient underwent surgical treatment including open reduction and percutaneous pinning for bone stabilization.
- Extensor tendon repair was performed to restore function.
- An extended course of antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to prevent infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the severity of propeller-related foot and ankle trauma.
- Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving surgical reconstruction and infection control.
- Literature review provides insights into optimal treatment strategies for similar injuries.
