Outcomes in Drainage Ankle Disarticulation vs Guillotine Transtibial Amputation in the Staged Approach to Below-Knee Amputation.

A transtibial amputation is the traditional primary staged amputation for source control in the setting of non-salvageable lower extremity infection, trauma, or avascularity prior to progression to proximal amputation. The primary aim of the study is to compare preoperative risk factors and postoperative outcomes between patients who underwent transtibial amputation versus ankle disarticulation in staged amputations. A retrospective review of 152 patients that underwent staged below the knee amputation were compared between those that primarily underwent transtibial amputation (N = 70) versus ankle disarticulation (N = 82). The mean follow-up for all 152 patients was 2.1 years (range = 0.04-7.9 years). The odds of incisional healing were 3.2 times higher for patients with guillotine amputation compared to patients with ankle disarticulation (odds ratio [OR] = 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.437-7.057). The odds of postoperative infection is 7.4 times higher with ankle disarticulation compared to patients with guillotine amputation (OR = 7.345, 95% CI = 1.505-35.834). There were improved outcomes in patients that underwent staged below the knee amputation with primarily guillotine transtibial amputation compared to primarily ankle disarticulation. Ankle disarticulation should be reserved for more distal infections, to allow for adequate infectious control, in the aims of decreasing postoperative infection and improving incisional healing rates.Levels of Evidence: 3, Retrospective study.

To Mesh or Not to Mesh: What Is the Ideal Meshing Ratio for Split Thickness Skin Grafting of the Lower Extremity?

Split-thickness skin grafts can provide effective autologous wound closure in patients with dysvascular comorbidities. Meshing the graft allows for reduced donor site morbidity and expanded coverage. This study directly compares outcomes across varying meshing ratios used to treat chronic lower extremity wounds. Patients who received split-thickness skin grafts to their lower extremity for chronic ulcers from December 2014 to December 2019 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified by meshing ratios: nonmeshed (including pie crusting), 1.5:1, and 3:1. The primary outcome was clinical "healing" as determined by surgeon discretion at 30 days, 60 days, and the latest follow-up. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, graft loss, ulcer recurrence, progression to amputation, and mortality. A total of 321 patients were identified. Wound sizes and location differed significantly, with 3:1 meshing applied to the largest wounds (187.8 ± 157.6 cm2; 1.5:1 meshed, 110.4 ± 103.9 cm2; nonmeshed 38.7 ± 55.5 cm2; p < .0001) mostly of the lower leg (n = 18, 75%; 1.5:1 meshed, n = 23, 43.4%; nonmeshed n = 62, 25.7%; p < .0001). Meshed grafts displayed a significantly higher proportion of healing at 30 and 60 days, but no differences persisted by the final follow-up (16.5 ± 20.5 months). Longitudinally, nonmeshed STSG was associated with most graft loss (46, 19.1%; p = .011) and ulcer recurrence (44, 18.3%; p = .011). Of the 3 meshing ratios, 3:1 exhibited the lowest rates of complications. Our results suggest that 3:1 meshing is a safe option for coverage of large lower extremity wounds to minimize donor site morbidity.

The Use of Flap Techniques to Preserve Limb Length in Patients with Transmetatarsal Amputations.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lower extremity wounds affect up to 13% of the US population. Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is frequently performed in patients with chronic forefoot wounds. TMA allows limb salvage and preserves functional gait, without need for prosthesis. Traditionally, when tension-free primary closure is not possible, a higher-level amputation is performed. This is the first series to evaluate the outcomes of local and free flap coverage of TMA stumps in patients with chronic foot wounds. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent TMA with flap coverage from 2015 through 2021 was reviewed. Primary outcomes included flap success, early postoperative complications, and long-term outcomes (limb salvage and ambulatory status). Patient-reported outcome measures using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) were also collected. RESULTS: Fifty patients underwent 51 flap reconstructions (26 local, 25 free flap) after TMA. Average age and body mass index were 58.5 years and 29.8 kg/m 2 , respectively. Comorbidities included diabetes [ n = 43 (86%)] and peripheral vascular disease [ n = 37 (74%)]. Flap success rate was 100%. At a mean follow-up of 24.8 months (range, 0.7 to 95.7 months), the limb salvage rate was 86.3% ( n = 44). Forty-four patients (88%) were ambulatory. The LEFS survey was completed by 24 surviving patients (54.5%). Mean LEFS score was 46.6 ± 13.9, correlating with 58.2% ± 17.4% of maximal function. CONCLUSIONS: Local and free flap reconstruction after TMA are viable methods of soft-tissue coverage for limb salvage. Applying plastic surgery flap techniques for TMA stump coverage allows for preservation of increased foot length and ambulation without a prosthesis. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Surgical management of pain or infection secondary to calciphylaxis: a wound center's experience and algorithmic multidisciplinary approach.

BACKGROUND: The role of surgical management of calciphylaxis remains understudied. OBJECTIVE: This article reports a case series and algorithmic approach to the multidisciplinary management of calciphylaxis. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of all adult patients with calciphylaxis treated surgically between January 2010 and November 2022 was performed. RESULTS: Eleven patients met inclusion criteria. The average age was 50.9 years ± 15.8 SD, and most patients were female (n = 7 [63.6%]). Surgery was indicated for infection (n = 6 [54.5%]) and/or intractable pain (n = 11 [100%]). Patients underwent an average of 2.9 excisional debridements during their hospital course. Following the final excision, wounds were left open in 5 cases (29.4%), closed primarily in 4 (23.5%), and local flaps were used in 3 (27.3%). Postoperatively, the mean time to healing was 57.4 days ± 12.6. Complications included dehiscence (n = 1 [9.1%]), progression to cellulitis (n = 2 [18.2%]), osteomyelitis (n = 1 [9.1%]), and lower extremity amputation (n = 2 [18.2%]). Of the 6 patients alive at the time of healing, 5 (83.3%) were no longer taking narcotic medications. At an average follow-up of 26.4 months ± 34.1, 7 patients (63.6%) were deceased, with an average time to mortality of 4.8 months ± 6.7. Of the 4 remaining patients, 3 (75.0%) were ambulatory by their most recent follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: While the morbidity and mortality associated with calciphylaxis are substantial, surgical excision is effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with this end-stage disease. Wound care centers are uniquely equipped with a variety of medical and surgical specialists with experience in treating chronic wounds and thus facilitate an efficient multidisciplinary model.

A Comparative Analysis of Functional and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Lisfranc and Chopart Amputations in High-Risk Limb Salvage Patients.

Midfoot amputations provide an opportunity for limb salvage through preservation of a weightbearing limb. However, the longevity of midfoot amputations is threatened by restrictions in surface area and risks of skin breakdown. To better inform decisions surrounding the level of amputation, we sought to compare outcomes of high-risk individuals who underwent Lisfranc or Chopart amputations. A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed from November 2013 to September 2022 of adult patients who underwent Lisfranc or Chopart amputations. Patients were stratified into cohorts based on the amputation type. Outcomes included postoperative rates of re-amputation, functional status, mortality and patient-reported outcome measures in the form of Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores. Sixty-six patients were identified; of which, 45 underwent Lisfranc amputation, and 21 underwent Chopart amputation. Median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 7, signifying a substantial comorbidity burden. By median follow-up of 14 (Interquartile range: 28) months, 31 patients (36%) progressed to higher-level amputation, and most patients were ambulatory (n = 38, 58%). Overall rates of re-amputation, ambulatory status, and mortality were comparable between groups. Re-amputation to another midfoot amputation was more common among the Lisfranc cohort (n = 16, 36% vs n = 1, 5%), whereas re-amputation to BKA was more prevalent among the Chopart cohort (Chopart: n = 7, 33% vs Lisfranc: n = 7, 16%; p = .011). Average Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores were similar between groups and corresponded to a maximal function of 48%. Lisfranc and Chopart amputations have the potential to be efficacious limb salvage options in high-risk patient populations in conjunction with intraoperative biomechanical optimization and optimal preoperative patient selection.

Presence of a patent pedal arch is the primary predictor of transmetatarsal amputation healing and limb salvage.

OBJECTIVE: Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is a durable and important functional limb salvage option. We have presented our results in identifying the angiographic predictors of TMA healing using single-institution retrospective data. METHODS: Consecutive patients within our institution who had undergone TMA and lower extremity arteriography from 2012 to 2020 were included. Patients whose TMA had healed were compared with those whose TMA had not healed. Using pre- and perioperative patient factors, in addition to the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) and evaluation of the tibial runoff vessels, multivariate analysis was used to define the predictors of TMA healing at 30 days and 1 year. For those patients who had undergone an intervention after TMA, including repeat interventions, the postintervention GLASS stage was calculated. All patients were followed up by the vascular surgeon using standard ultrasound surveillance and clinical examinations. Once the predictors had been identified, an analysis was performed to correlate the 30-day and 1-year limb salvage rates. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients had met the inclusion criteria for the study period. No difference was found in the GLASS femoropopliteal or infrapopliteal stages for those with a healed TMA and those without. After multivariate regression analysis, the presence of a patent pedal arch vs a nonintact arch had a 5.5 greater odds of TMA healing at 30 days but not at 1 year. Additionally, the presence of a patent arch was strongly associated with limb salvage at both 30 days (86% vs 49%; P < .01) and 1 year (79% vs 49%; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In the present series of patients who had undergone TMA and arteriography, with appropriate GLASS staging, we found patency of the pedal arch was a significant predictor of healing and limb salvage. The GLASS femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal stages did not predict for TMA healing.

Ensuring Quality Care in the COVID-19 Era: Applying the Donabedian Model to Tertiary Wound Care Center Practices.

The coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic has disrupted health care, with its far-reaching effects seeping into chronic disease evaluation and treatment. Our tertiary wound care center was specially designed to deliver the highest quality care to wounded patients. Before the pandemic, we were able to ensure rapid treatment by means of validated protocols delivered by a colocalized multidisciplinary team within the hospital setting. The pandemic has disrupted our model's framework, and we have worked to adapt our workflow without sacrificing quality of care. Using the modified Donabedian model of quality assessment, we present an analysis of prepandemic and intrapandemic characteristics of our center. In this way, we hope other providers can use this framework for identifying evolving problems within their practice so that quality care can continue to be delivered to all patients.

Neither Antiplatelet nor Anticoagulant Therapy Increases Graft Failure after Split-thickness Skin Grafting.

Split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) are an effective modality for lower extremity wound coverage. Many patients in the highly comorbid chronic wound population present with cardiovascular disease requiring chronic antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, theoretically increasing risk for bleeding complications, donor site morbidity, and poor graft take. Some surgeons advocate temporary cessation of antithrombotic therapy, which may increase cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of anticoagulation use on STSG outcomes. Methods: All patients receiving STSGs for lower extremity wounds from 2014 to 2016 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Successful grafts were defined as greater than 99.5% wound coverage. Patients were divided into two groups: anticoagulation/antiplatelet or no anticoagulation/antiplatelet. Continuous variables were described by means and SDs and analyzed using student's t-test. Categorical variables were described by frequencies and percentages and analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher exact tests as appropriate. Results: In total, 231 wounds were identified among 189 patients; 124 patients were receiving at least one antiplatelet/anticoagulant at time of grafting. Three hematomas were reported during 30 days of follow-up; there was no significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). Anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy in the perioperative period had no significant impact on STSG take and overall healing. Conclusions: The findings from this study demonstrate that administration of anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents in the perioperative period does not increase the risk of skin graft failure. Based on these findings, STSG can be performed without cessation of anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy.

Management of the Charcot Foot and Ankle: Nonreconstructive Surgery.

Diabetic neuroarthropathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus that results in instability of the foot, structural deformity, and soft-tissue breakdown. Commonly, midfoot collapse of the medial, lateral, or both longitudinal arches may result in increased plantar pressures and subsequent midfoot ulceration. Many of these wounds can be successfully managed with local wound care and off-loading; however, surgical intervention becomes necessary in cases of osteomyelitis or when the wound fails to heal despite conservative efforts. In cases where surgical reconstruction may not be indicated, nonreconstructive surgical efforts have shown effectiveness in resolving wounds and allowing patients to return to ambulatory lifestyles. This article serves as an update to current treatment recommendations for the nonreconstructive surgical management of Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Functional and Patient-reported Outcomes following Transmetatarsal Amputation in High-risk Limb Salvage Patients.

Background: Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is performed in patients with nonhealing wounds of the forefoot. Compared with below-knee amputations, healing after TMA is less reliable, and often leads to subsequent higher-level amputation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and patient-reported outcomes of TMA. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent TMA from 2013 to 2021 at our limb-salvage center was conducted. Primary outcomes included postoperative complications, secondary proximal lower extremity amputation, ambulatory status, and mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate independent risk factors for higher-level amputation after TMA. Patient-reported outcome measures for functionality and pain were also obtained. Results: A total of 146 patients were identified. TMA success was achieved in 105 patients (72%), and 41 patients (28%) required higher-level amputation (Lisfranc: 31.7%, Chopart: 22.0%, below-knee amputations: 43.9%). There was a higher incidence of postoperative infection in patients who subsequently required proximal amputation (39.0 versus 9.5%, P < 0.001). At mean follow-up duration of 23.2 months (range, 0.7-97.6 months), limb salvage was achieved in 128 patients (87.7%) and 83% of patients (n = 121) were ambulatory. Patient-reported outcomes for functionality corresponded to a mean maximal function of 58.9%. Pain survey revealed that TMA failure patients had a significantly higher pain rating compared with TMA success patients (P = 0.016). Conclusions: TMA healing remains variable, and many patients will eventually require a secondary proximal amputation. Multi-institutional studies are warranted to identify perioperative risk factors for higher-level amputation and to further evaluate patient-reported outcomes.

Expanding Criteria for Limb Salvage in Comorbid Patients with Nonhealing Wounds: The MedStar Georgetown Protocol and Lessons Learned after 200 Lower Extremity Free Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity salvage in the setting of nonhealing wounds requires a multidisciplinary approach for successful free tissue transfer. Patients with comorbidities including diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease were previously considered poor candidates for free tissue transfer. However, amputation leads to functional decline and severely increased mortality. The authors present their institutional perioperative protocol in the context of 200 free tissue transfers performed for lower extremity salvage in a highly comorbid population. METHODS: The authors reviewed an institutional database of 200 lower extremity free tissue transfers performed from 2011 to 2019. Demographics, comorbidities, wound cause and location, intraoperative details, flap outcomes, and complications were compared between the first and second 100 flaps. The authors document the evolution of their institutional protocol for lower extremity free tissue transfers, including standard preoperative hypercoagulability testing, angiography, and venous ultrasound. RESULTS: The median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3, with diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease found in 48 percent and 22 percent of patients, respectively. Thirty-nine percent of patients tested positive for more than three hypercoagulable genetic conditions. The second group of 100 free tissue transfers had a higher proportion of patients with decreased vessel runoff (35 percent versus 47 percent; p < 0.05), rate of endovascular intervention (7.1 percent versus 23 percent; p < 0.05), and rate of venous reflux (19 percent versus 64 percent; p < 0.001). Flap success (91 percent versus 98 percent; p < 0.05) and operative time (500 minutes versus 374 minutes; p < 0.001) improved in the second cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized evidence-based protocols and a multidisciplinary approach enable successful limb salvage. Although there is a learning curve, high levels of salvage can be attained in highly comorbid patients with improved institutional knowledge and capabilities. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

From pay for performance to collaborative quality initiatives: quality care and implications for the limb salvage center.

Management of chronic wounds, specifically those of the lower extremity, varies considerably by geographic region. The consequences of low-quality care perpetuate poor outcomes and low value for patients and the health care system. The emergence of value-based health care has forced stakeholders to evaluate care from quality and cost perspectives. This review presents a replicable quality assessment model for limb salvage specialists to apply to their practices. This model will foster increased collaboration between caregivers across all disciplines in an effort to increase quality care assurances for patients with chronic wounds of the lower extremity. Current approaches to quality assessment in the management of such wounds are outlined, and areas for innovation, such as collaborative initiatives, are highlighted. Use of the Donabedian model to provide quality and value to patients undergoing treatment for chronic wounds at a tertiary limb salvage center is also described. A value-based care system can be comprehensively assessed using the Donabedian framework. A pay-for-performance approach has largely guided health care reform in the United States; however, the effects of this approach have been incongruent with its intent. Limb salvage centers work to rectify this imbalance and continually evaluate quality measures to improve care. Collaborative quality initiatives have resulted in improved outcomes and cost savings in multiple specialties, and multidisciplinary limb salvage centers may benefit from such infrastructure. Limb salvage specialists have an important role in determining whether health care quality improvements are internally or externally driven. Existing quality assessment tools are imperfect, and the consequences of low-quality care of chronic wounds can be devastating. Through collaboration across institutions and the use of validated quality assessment tools such as the Donabedian model, chronic wound specialists can be leaders in developing and implementing quality care measures.

A Focus on Amputation Level: Factors Preventing Length Preservation in the National Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic lower-extremity disease is the primary driver of mortality in patients with diabetes. Amputations at the forefoot or ankle preserve limb length, increase function, and, ultimately, reduce deconditioning and mortality compared with higher-level amputations, such as below-the-knee amputations (BKAs). We sought to identify risk factors associated with amputation level to understand barriers to length-preserving amputations (LPAs). METHODS: Diabetic lower-extremity admissions were extracted from the 2012-2014 National Inpatient Survey using ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. The main outcome was a two-level variable consisting of LPAs (transmetatarsal, Syme, and Chopart) versus BKAs. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine contributions of patient- and hospital-level factors to likelihood of undergoing LPA versus BKA. RESULTS: The study cohort represented 110,355 admissions nationally: 42,375 LPAs and 67,980 BKAs. The population was predominantly white (56.85%), older than 50 years (82.55%), and male (70.38%). On multivariate analysis, living in an urban area (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.48; P < .0001) and having vascular intervention in the same hospital stay (RRR = 2.96; P < .0001) were predictive of LPA. Patients from rural locations but treated in urban centers were more likely to receive BKA. Minorities were more likely to present with severe disease, limiting delivery of LPAs. A high Elixhauser comorbidity score was related to BKA receipt. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies delivery biases in amputation level for patients without access to large, urban hospitals. Rural patients seeking care in these centers are more likely to receive higher-level amputations. Further examination is required to determine whether earlier referral to multidisciplinary centers is more effective at reducing BKA rates versus satellite centers in rural localities.

Double Versus Triple Arthrodesis Fusion Rates: A Systematic Review.

Hindfoot arthrodesis is often required for end-staged deformities, such as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Although the need for hindfoot arthrodesis is generally accepted in severe deformities, there is a debate whether a double or triple arthrodesis should be performed. The aim of our systematic review is to review the fusion rates and mean time to fusion in double and triple arthrodesis. A total of 184 articles were identified using the keyword search through the database of articles published from 2005 to 2017. After review by 3 physicians, a total of 13 articles met the eligibility criteria. The reason for double or triple arthrodesis within the studies were posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, tarsal coalition, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Charcot Marie Tooth, Multiple Sclerosis, Polio, neuromuscular disorder, cerebral palsy, acrodystrophic neuropathy, clubfoot, post-traumatic, and seronegative arthropathy (spondyloarthritis). Within these 13 studies, there were a total of 343 (6-95) subjects extremities operated on. The overall fusion rate for double arthrodesis was 91.75% (289/315) compared to 92.86% (26/28) triple arthrodesis fusion rate, p value .8370. The mean time to fusion for double arthrodesis was 17.96 ± 7.96 weeks compared to 16.70 ± 8.18 weeks for triple arthrodesis, p value = .8133. There are risks associated with triple arthrodesis including increased surgical times, lateral wound complications, residual deformity, surgical costs and peri-articular arthritis. Given the benefits of double arthrodesis over triple arthrodesis and the nearly equivalent fusion rates and time to fusion, double arthrodesis is an effective alternative to triple arthrodesis. The authors of this systematic review recommend double arthrodesis as the hindfoot fusion procedure of choice.

Risks Factors Associated With Major Lower Extremity Amputation After Vertical Contour Calcanectomy.

The primary aim of the study is to determine risks for major lower extremity amputation after undergoing Vertical Contour Calcanectomy. Subanalysis was performed comparing patients who underwent Vertical Contour Calcanectomy who were fully ambulatory to those who were partially or nonambulatory postoperatively. Within the cohort of 63 patients included in the Vertical Contour Calcanectomy 85.71% (54/63) of patients had diabetes mellitus, 53.97% (34/63) had peripheral arterial disease, and 19.05% (12/63) had Charcot Neuroarthropathy. Multivariate logistic regression, found that (1) patients that underwent primary closure at the time of the Vertical Contour Calcanectomy, were 79.9% more likely (odds ratio [OR] 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.96) to have limb salvage and that (2) female patients were 85.4% less likely compared to male patients (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.02-0.99) to undergo major lower extremity amputation. Patients with coronary artery disease were 5.2 times more likely (OR 5.18; 95% CI 1.120-23.94) and patients that were nonambulatory preoperatively, were 10.3 times more likely (OR 10.28; 95% CI 1.60-66.26), to be partially or nonambulatory after Vertical Contour Calcanectomy. Primary closure at time of Vertical Contour Calcanectomy significantly decreases the risk of major lower extremity amputation, and diminished preoperative ambulatory status as well as coronary artery disease makes it less likely that patients return to full ambulation after Vertical Contour Calcanectomy.

Surgical Management of Lower Extremity Wounds in the Solid Organ Transplant Patient Population: Surgeon Beware.

Objective: To evaluate our institutional outcomes of surgical management of lower extremity (LE) wounds in the solid organ transplant recipient population. Approach: An 8-year retrospective review was conducted for all solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients with LE wounds necessitating surgical management at our tertiary limb salvage center. Outcomes of interest included wound healing, surgical treatment, progression to amputation, and amputation level. Factors contributing to amputation progression were analyzed. The article adheres to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. Results: Sixty-four SOT recipients underwent surgical management for their LE wounds between 2010 and 2018. Median number of surgeries per patient was 5 (interquartile range = 2-8); 47 of 64 patients (73.4%) underwent amputation, and 17 of 64 patients (26.6%) underwent nonamputation surgical management. In the amputation group, the majority of primary amputations were minor (42/47, 89.4%); 24 of 42 (57.1%) patients progressed to a higher amputation level, 16 of 42 (38.1%) healed after their index procedure, and 2 of 42 (4.8%) were lost to follow-up (LTFU) after their primary minor amputation. Five of 47 (10.6%) patients undergoing amputations required primary below-knee amputations. In the nonamputation group, 15 of 17 (88.2%) healed, 1 of 17 (5.9%) expired, and 1 of 17 (5.9%) was LTFU. Innovation: To identify the outcomes of patients undergoing surgical management for LE wounds after SOT and elucidate clinical factors that impact the rate of limb salvage. Conclusions: This is the first comprehensive analysis of LE wounds in the transplant population. Our analysis indicates high rates of failed minor amputation, and frequent progression to major amputation in SOT patients. Preexisting comorbidities and immunosuppressive regimens complicate limb salvage; therefore, further research is warranted to optimize surgical LE wound management in this population.

Evaluation of Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Identification and Quantification of Clinically Relevant Bacterial Species in Lower Extremity Wound Infections.

Identification of bacteria by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is known to be more sensitive than culture, which brings to question the clinical applicability of the results. In this study, we evaluate the ability of PCR to detect clinically relevant bacterial species in lower extremity wound infections requiring operative debridement, as well as the quantitative change in biodiversity and bacterial load reflected by PCR during the course of treatment. Thirty-four infected lower extremity were examined by analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA subunit and by culture. McNemar's test was used to measure the concordance of clinically relevant bacterial species identified by PCR compared to culture during each debridement. Change in wound biodiversity from initial presentation to final closure was evaluated by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to characterize change in measured bacterial load over the course of operative debridement. A total of 15 and 12 clinically relevant bacterial species were identified by PCR and culture, respectively. The most common bacterial species identified were Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus spp. PCR was less likely to detect Enterococcus spp. on initial debridement and Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus on closure in this study population. A significant decrease in mean number of clinically relevant species detected from initial debridement to closure was reflected by culture (p = .0188) but not by PCR (p = .1848). Both PCR (p = .0128) and culture (p = .0001) depicted significant reduction in mean bacterial load from initial debridement to closure. PCR is able to identify common clinically relevant bacterial species in lower extremity surgical wound infections. PCR displays increased sensitivity compared to culture with relation to detection of biodiversity, rather than bacterial load. Molecular diagnostics and conventional culture may serve a joint purpose to assist with rendering clinical judgment in complex wound infections.