Pirogow's Amputation: A Modification of the Operation Method.

Introduction. Pirogow's amputation at the ankle presents a valuable alternative to lower leg amputation for patients with the corresponding indications. Although this method offers the ability to stay mobile without the use of a prosthesis, it is rarely performed. This paper proposes a modification regarding the operation method of the Pirogow amputation. The results of the modified operation method on ten patients were objectified 12 months after the operation using a patient questionnaire (Ankle Score). Material and Methods. We modified the original method by rotating the calcaneus. To fix the calcaneus to the tibia, Kirschner wire and a 3/0 spongiosa tension screw as well as a Fixateur externe were used. Results. 70% of those questioned who were amputated following the modified Pirogow method indicated an excellent or very good result in total points whereas in the control group (original Pirogow's amputation) only 40% reported excellent or very good result. In addition, the level of pain experienced one year after the completed operation showed different results in favour of the group being operated with the modified way. Furthermore, patients in both groups showed differences in radiological results, postoperative leg length difference, and postoperative mobility. Conclusion. The modified Pirogow amputation presents a valuable alternative to the original amputation method for patients with the corresponding indications. The benefits are found in the significantly reduced pain, difference in reduced radiological complications, the increase in mobility without a prosthesis, and the reduction of postoperative leg length difference.

[Pirogow's amputation as an alternative to lower leg amputation?]. / Die Amputation nach Pirogow als Alternative zur Unterschenkelamputation?

Pirogow's amputation at the ankle presents a valuable alternative to lower leg amputation for patients with the corresponding indications. Although this method offers numerous advantages for the patient, such as the ability to stay mobile without the use of a prosthesis, it is rarely performed (0.1% of all lower limb amputations). The results of the operations on 20 patients were objectified 12 months after the operation using a patient questionnaire (Ankle Score), and these results were then compared to those of 20 patients who underwent lower leg amputation. Using a point system the criteria pain, functional and radiological assessment, difference in leg length, and mobility without prosthesis were recorded and evaluated. 65% of those questioned who were amputated following the Pirogow method indicated an excellent or very good result, in the control group 60% of those having undergone a lower leg amputation responded similarly, indicating an excellent or very good result.In 30% in the Pirogow group in contrast to 20% after lower leg amputation postoperative complications lead to a revision-operation. In patients suffering from diabetes or restricted perfusion of the lower extremity an amputation at the level of the ankle has to be considered critically keeping the necessity of a revision-operation in mind. However, if it can be carried out successfully, the benefits of Pirogow-amputation are found in the significantly reduced difference in leg length and the increase in mobility without prosthesis.