A new technique of open amputation: use of the rolled flap

In patients with extensive skin, soft tissue or bone loss and chronic osteomyelitis, or vascular disease, one feature in common is a source of potential infection in that limb. An amputation is often advisable but primary closure frequently results in complications. The above described method of open amputation enables us to retain the optimum bone length and skin flaps without basing the level of the amputation upon the apparent proximal level of normal skin. This method is expecially useful in the acutely traumatized and unsalvagable limb with gross contamination, and can produce early primary healing.