Rehabilitation experiences following major lower limb amputation due to complications of vascular disease: a UK qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Rehabilitation experiences of lower limb amputees with poorer physical health have not been fully explored. This study aimed to qualitatively explore experiences of rehabilitation amongst patients who had recently undergone amputation due to complications of vascular disease. METHODS: Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 14 patients participating in the PLACEMENT randomised controlled feasibility trial (ISRCTN: 85710690; EudraCT: 2016-003544-37), which investigated the effectiveness of using a perineural catheter for postoperative pain relief following major lower limb amputation. Framework analysis was used to identify key themes and compare participant data. FINDINGS: Three main themes and corresponding sub-themes were identified: (i) other patients as inspiration; (ii) other patients as competition; and (iii) imagined futures. Perceptions relating to other patients played a key role in rehabilitation, providing a source of motivation, support, and competition. Participants' imagined futures were uncertain, and this was compounded by a lack of information and delays in equipment and/or adaptations. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the importance of fellow patients in supporting rehabilitation following lower limb amputation. Enabling contact with other patients should thus be a key consideration when planning rehabilitation. There is a clear unmet need for realistic information relating to post-amputation recovery, tailored to the needs of individual patients.

There is a clear unmet need for patient information on rehabilitation following major lower limb amputation.Information about future mobility - particularly prosthesis use - should be realistic and individually tailored.The key role of fellow patients should be fully considered when planning post-amputation rehabilitation.

Fasciotomy and rate of amputation after tibial fracture in adults: a population-based cohort study.

Objectives: Limb amputation is a possible outcome of acute compartment syndrome. We undertook this study to investigate the occurrence of fasciotomy and amputation in patients with tibial fractures in the Ontario adult population, aiming to evaluate variables that may be associated with each of these outcomes. Design: Retrospective, population-based cohort study (April 1, 2003-March 31, 2016). Setting: Canadian province of Ontario. Participants: Patients with tibial fracture, aged 14 years and older. Interventions: Fasciotomy after tibial fracture. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were fasciotomy and amputation within 1 year of fasciotomy. Secondary outcomes included repeat surgery, new-onset renal failure, and mortality, all within 30 days of fasciotomy. Results: We identified 76,299 patients with tibial fracture; the mean (SD) age was 47 (21) years. Fasciotomy was performed in 1303 patients (1.7%); of these, 76% were male and 24% female. Patients who were younger, male, or experienced polytrauma were significantly more likely to undergo fasciotomy. Limb amputation occurred in 4.3% of patients undergoing fasciotomy, as compared with 0.5% in those without fasciotomy; older age, male sex, presence of polytrauma, and fasciotomy were associated with an increased risk of amputation (age odds ratio [OR] of 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02-1.03], P < 0.0001; sex OR of 2.04 [95% CI, 1.63-2.55], P < 0.0001; polytrauma OR of 9.37 [95% CI, 7.64-11.50], P < 0.0001; fasciotomy OR of 4.35 [95% CI, 3.21-5.90], P < 0.0001), as well as repeat surgery within 30 days (sex OR of 1.54 [95% CI, 1.14-2.07], P = 0.0053; polytrauma OR of 4.24 [95% CI, 3.33-5.38], P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Among tibial fracture patients, those who were male and who experienced polytrauma were at significantly higher risk of undergoing fasciotomy and subsequent amputation. Fasciotomy was also significantly associated with risk of amputation, a finding that is likely reflective of the severity of the initial injury.

Vasculitis and infectious risk in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case report.

The connection between vasculitis and infection is complex. The present study described a typical situation for a patient with unbalanced type 2 diabetes and chronic complications, in which a lack of adherence to the protection and care measures ultimately led to the appearance of some of the worst consequences of the condition, namely, ulceration, gangrene and amputation. In the context of an unstable condition with significant metabolic imbalance there was an impaired response to infections in the present patient, and the amputation resulted in wound persistence and ulcer development, followed by superinfection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus according to the antibiogram performed. In this case, an episode of vasculitis was triggered without evidence of bacteraemia. The present case report highlighted the importance of proper hygiene and good metabolic control in patients with diabetes that suffer from amputations and conditions that expose them to certain complications, including vasculitis.

Status and Influencing Factors of Foot Care Behavior for Patients with Diabetic Foot Amputation: Across-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to investigate the contemporary status and influencing factors of foot self-care behavior in diabetic foot amputation patients. A total of 250 patients with diabetic foot amputation were included. The general information questionnaire, Chinese Version of the Nottingham Assessment of Function Footcare (CNAFF), Knowledge of Diabetic Foot Questionnaire, and The Third Version of the Diabetes Attitude Scale were used to investigate the status and influencing factors of foot self-care behavior in patients with diabetic foot amputation. From our sample, the Chinese version of Nottingham foot care behavior score was 68.32 ± 10.35 points, which showed that the foot self-care behavior of patients with diabetic foot amputation is at a medium level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that education level, the knowledge of how to choose shoes and socks, the knowledge of self-care for feet, the need for special training in education, and the patient's autonomy in diabetes care were the main factors influencing foot self-care behavior of patients with diabetic foot amputation (P < 0.05). The total variation of CNAFF score was 49%. The results of this study show that the level of foot care of diabetic amputees must be improved, and medical staffs need to take targeted intervention measures to help patients improve their self-care behavior after amputation, thereby reducing the recurrence rate of diabetic feet and improving their quality of life.

Evaluating the impact of an interdisciplinary integrated limb preservation service operating concurrently with a single-specialty service.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the efficacy of an interdisciplinary limb preservation service (LPS) in improving surgical outcomes for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients compared to traditional care. METHODS: Data from January 1, 2017 to September 30, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. An interdisciplinary LPS clinic began on August 1, 2018, coexisting with a preexisting single specialty service. Primary outcomes were major/minor amputation rates and ratios and hospital length of stay. Surgical endpoints pre- and post-LPS launch were compared. RESULTS: Among 976 procedures for 731 unique DFU patients, most were male (80.4%) and Hispanic (89.3%). Patient demographics were consistent before and after LPS initiation. Major amputation rates decreased by 45.5% (15.4%-8.4%, p = 0.001), with outpatient procedures increasing over 5-fold (3.3% pre-LPS to 18.7% post-LPS, p < 0.001). Hospital stay reduced from 10.1 to 8.5 days post-LPS (p < 0.001). The major to minor amputation ratio declined from 22.4% to 12.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The interdisciplinary LPS improved patient outcomes, marked by fewer major amputations and reduced hospital stays, suggesting the model's potential for broader application.

Emerging trends in nationwide mortality, limb loss, and resource utilization for critical limb ischemia in young adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recent trends indicate a rise in the incidence of critical limb ischemia (CLI) among younger adults. This study examines trends in CLI hospitalization and outcomes among young adults with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the United States. METHODS: Adult hospitalizations (18-40 years) for PAD/CLI were analyzed from the 2016-2020 nationwide inpatient sample database using ICD-10 codes. Rates were reported per 1000 PAD or 100,000 cardiovascular disease admissions. Outcomes included trends in mortality, major amputations, revascularization, length of hospital stay (LOS), and hospital costs (THC). We used the Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend analysis and adjusted costs to the 2020 dollar using the consumer price index. RESULTS: Approximately 63,045 PAD and 20,455 CLI admissions were analyzed. The mean age of the CLI cohort was 32.7 ± 3 years. The majority (12,907; 63.1 %) were female and white (11,843; 57.9 %). Annual CLI rates showed an uptrend with 3265 hospitalizations (227 per 1000 PAD hospitalizations, 22.7 %) in 2016 to 4474 (252 per 1000 PAD hospitalizations, 25.2 %) in 2020 (Ptrend<0.001), along with an increase in PAD admissions from 14,405 (188 per 100,000, 0.19 %) in 2016 to 17,745 (232 per 100,000, 0.23 %%) in 2020 (Ptrend<0.0001). Annual in-hospital mortality increased from 570 (2.8 %) in 2016 to 803 (3.9 %) in 2020 (Ptrend = 0.001) while amputations increased from 1084 (33.2 %) in 2016 to 1995 (44.6 %) in 2020 (Ptrend<0.001). Mean LOS increased from 5.1 (SD 2.7) days in 2016 to 6.5 (SD 0.9) days in 2020 (Ptrend = 0.002). The mean THC for CLI increased from $50,873 to $69,262 in 2020 (Ptrend<0.001). The endovascular revascularization rates decreased from 11.5 % (525 cases) in 2016 to 10.7 % (635 cases) in 2020 (Ptrend = 0.025). Surgical revascularization rates also increased from 4.9 % (225 cases) in 2016 to 10.4 % (600 cases) in 2020 (Ptrend = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Hospitalization and outcomes for CLI worsened among young adults during the study period. There is an urgent need to enhance surveillance for risk factors of PAD in this age group.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) Are Associated with Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Foot Ulcer Related Amputation: A Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its sequelae has been on the rise, and diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation globally. The rising occurrence and financial burden associated with DFU necessitate improved clinical assessment and treatment. Diabetes has been found to enhance the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by neutrophils, and excessive NETs have been implicated in tissue damage and impaired wound healing. However, there is as yet insufficient evidence to clarify the value of NETs in assessing and predicting outcomes of DFU. METHODS: We designed this prospective study with three cohorts formed from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with DFU (n = 200), newly diagnosed T2DM patients (n = 42), and healthy donors (n = 38). Serum levels of NETs were detected for all groups, and the prognostic value for DFU-related amputation was analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed that serum NET levels of the DFU group were significantly higher than in the T2DM group (P < 0.05), which also had significantly elevated serum NET levels compared to healthy donors (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression showed that serum NET levels, diabetic foot surgical history, and Wagner grade were the risk factors for amputation (P < 0.05), and these three variables also exhibited the highest coefficient values in additional Lasso Cox regression. For patients with DFU, Kaplan-Meier curves showed that high serum NET levels associated with higher amputation probability (HR = 0.19, P < 0.01) and ROC curve based on NET value showed good validity for amputation (AUC: 0.727, CI 0.651-0.803). CONCLUSION: Elevated serum NET levels serve as an easily accessible serological prognostic marker for assessing the risk of DFU-related amputation, thereby offering evaluation metrics for healthcare providers. Further investigations are necessary to understand the mechanisms driving this relationship.

Neuroma Analysis in Humans: Standardizing Sample Collection and Documentation.

INTRODUCTION: The biology of symptomatic neuromas is poorly understood, particularly the factors causing pain in human neuromas. Pain presence varies among and within individuals, with some having painful and nonpainful neuromas. To bridge these knowledge gaps, our group developed a protocol for assessing neuroma pain and collecting tissue for molecular analysis. This manuscript outlines our workflow and challenges and aims to inspire other centers to share their experiences with these tissues. METHODS: For every included patient and collected nerve or bone tissue specimens, we perform a detailed chart review and a multifaceted analysis of pain and pain perception immediately before surgery. We collect patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on pain, function, and mental well-being outcomes at preoperative assessment and at the 6-month follow-up postoperatively. Before surgery, the patient is assessed once again to obtain an immediate preoperative pain status and identify potential differences in pain intensity of different neuromas. Intraoperatively, specimens are obtained and their gross anatomical features are recorded, after which they are stored in paraformaldehyde or frozen for later sample analyses. Postoperatively, patients are contacted to obtain additional postoperative PROMs. RESULTS: A total of 220 specimens of nerve tissue have been successfully obtained from 83 limbs, comprising 95 specimens of neuromas and 125 specimens of nerves located proximal to the neuromas or from controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our approach outlines the methods combining specimen collection and examination, including both macroscopic and molecular biological features, with PROMs, encompassing physical and psychological aspects, along with clinical metadata obtained through clinical teams and chart review.

The association between tobacco smoking and systolic toe pressures in active foot ulceration.

Smoking may increase the risk of diabetic foot disease and ulceration. It does so by impairing glycaemic control and promoting the formation of advanced glycated end-products. Additionally, smoking is known to delay surgical wound healing and accelerate peripheral arterial disease. We aimed to determine whether toe pressures differed in smokers with a foot ulcer, when compared to non-smokers and ex-smokers, as well as ulcer outcomes at 12 months, among patients attending Blacktown Hospital High Risk Foot Service (HRFS). This study is a retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected clinic database. Eligible participants were adults attending the HRFS between June 2020 and April 2022. Participants were included if they had an ulcer, at least one systolic toe pressure reading completed at their initial visit and attended at least one follow-up visit. Participants were followed until healing, loss to follow-up or a minimum of 12 months. A total of 195 participants were included; 36 smokers, 82 ex-smokers, and 77 controls who had never smoked. Smoking status was by self-report. Current smokers were significantly younger at initial presentation (p = .002) and tended towards lower socioeconomic status (p = .067). Current smokers were significantly more likely to have ischaemic grade 3 toe pressures (< 30 mmHg) of their left foot (p = .027), suggestive of reduced perfusion. At the end of follow up period, smokers had the numerically highest rates of minor amputations. In conclusion, smokers ulcerate younger and are more likely to have grade 3 ischaemia. Collecting information about the brachial artery pressures and the time since the last cigarette may clarify any relationship between smoking and toe pressures.Trial registration: WSLHD HREC ethics approval 2111-02 and ANZCTR registration 382470. Registered on 15/09/2021.

Knee Arthrodesis for Periprosthetic Knee Infection: Fusion Rate, Complications, and Limb Salvage-A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the outcomes of knee arthrodesis (KA) after periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee. Differences in clinical outcomes and complication rates among the intramedullary nailing (IMN), external fixation (EF), and compression plating (CP) procedures were compared. A total of 23 studies were included. Demographics, microbiological data, types of implants, surgical techniques with complications, reoperations, fusion, and amputation rates were reported. A total of 787 patients were evaluated, of whom 601 (76.4%), 166 (21%), and 19 (2.4%) underwent IMN, EF, and CP, respectively. The most common causative pathogen was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS). Fusion occurred in 71.9%, 78.8%, and 92.3% of the patients after IMN, EF, and CP, respectively, and no statistically significant difference was found. Reinfection rates were 14.6%, 15.1%, and 10.5% after IMN, EF, and CP, respectively, and no statistically significant difference was found. Conversion to amputation occurred in 4.3%, 5%, and 15.8% of patients after IMN, EF, and CP, respectively; there was a higher rate after CP than after EF. The IMN technique is the most common option used for managing PJI with KA. No differences in terms of fusion, reinfection, or conversion-to-amputation rates were reported between IMN and EF. CP is rarely used, and the high amputation rate represents an important limitation of this technique.

Accuracy, Repeatability, and Reproducibility of a Hand-Held Structured-Light 3D Scanner across Multi-Site Settings in Lower Limb Prosthetics.

The aim of this work was to assess the accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility of a hand-held, structured-light 3D scanner (EINScan Pro 2X Plus with High Definition Prime Pack, SHINING 3D Tech. Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China), to support its potential use in multi-site settings on lower limb prosthetics. Four limb models with different shapes were fabricated and scanned with a metrological 3D scanner (EINScan Laser FreeScan 5X, SHINING 3D Tech. Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China) by a professional operator (OP0). Limb models were then mailed to three sites where two operators (OP1, OP2) scanned them using their own structured-light 3D scanner (same model). OP1 scanned limb models twice (OP1-A, OP1-B). OP0, OP1-A, and OP2 scans were compared for accuracy, OP1-A and OP1-B for repeatability, and OP1-A and OP2 for reproducibility. Among all comparisons, the mean radial error was <0.25 mm, mean angular error was <4°, and root mean square error of the radial distance was <1 mm. Moreover, limits of agreement were <3.5% for perimeters and volumes. By comparing these results with respect to clinically-relevant thresholds and to the literature available on other 3D scanners, we conclude that the EINScan Pro 2X Plus 3D Scanner with High Definition Prime Pack has good accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility, supporting its use in multi-site settings.

Multidisciplinary management of diabetic foot infection associated with improved 8-year overall survival.

AIMS: Diabetic foot syndrome is a global challenge best managed through multidisciplinary collaboration. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a systematic multidisciplinary team (MDT) on the overall survival and major amputation-free survival of hospitalized patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Tampere University Hospital. Cohorts of hospitalized patients with DFI before and after the initiation of multidisciplinary wound ward were compared after an 8-year follow-up. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly higher overall survival in the post-MDT cohort (37.8 % vs 22.6 %, p < 0.05) in 8-year follow-up. Similarly, major amputation-free survival was superior in this cohort (31.8 % vs 16.9 %, p < 0.05). Additionally, early major amputation was associated with inferior overall survival (35.1 % vs 12.0 %, p < 0.05). In a multivariable Cox-regression analysis cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 1.38, 95 % confidence interval [CI95%] 1.01-1.87), early amputation (HR 1.64, CI95% 1.14-2.34) and diagnosed peripheral artery disease (HR 2.23, CI95% 1.61-3.09), congestive heart failure (HR 2.13, CI95% 1.47-3.08), or moderate kidney disease (HR 1.95, CI95% 1.34-2.84) were identified as significant risk factors affecting overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: After systematic MDT approach we found improved long-term overall and major amputation-free survival. Multidisciplinary approach is therefore highly recommended for managing patients hospitalized for DFI.

Prediction model for lower limb amputation in hospitalized diabetic foot patients using classification and regression trees.

BACKGROUND: The decision to perform amputation of a limb in a patient with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is not an easy task. Prediction models aim to help the surgeon in decision making scenarios. Currently there are no prediction model to determine lower limb amputation during the first 30 days of hospitalization for patients with DFU. METHODS: Classification And Regression Tree analysis was applied on data from a retrospective cohort of patients hospitalized for the management of diabetic foot ulcer, using an existing database from two Orthopaedics and Traumatology departments. The secondary analysis identified independent variables that can predict lower limb amputation (mayor or minor) during the first 30 days of hospitalization. RESULTS: Of the 573 patients in the database, 290 feet underwent a lower limb amputation during the first 30 days of hospitalization. Six different models were developed using a loss matrix to evaluate the error of not detecting false negatives. The selected tree produced 13 terminal nodes and after the pruning process, only one division remained in the optimal tree (Sensitivity: 69%, Specificity: 75%, Area Under the Curve: 0.76, Complexity Parameter: 0.01, Error: 0.85). Among the studied variables, the Wagner classification with a cut-off grade of 3 exceeded others in its predicting capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Wagner classification was the variable with the best capacity for predicting amputation within 30 days. Infectious state and vascular occlusion described indirectly by this classification reflects the importance of taking quick decisions in those patients with a higher compromise of these two conditions. Finally, an external validation of the model is still required. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The effect of prosthetic limb sophistication and amputation level on self-reported mobility and satisfaction with mobility.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if lower limb prosthesis (LLP) sophistication is associated with patient-reported mobility and/or mobility satisfaction, and if these associations differ by amputation level. DESIGN: Cohort study that identified participants through a large national database and prospectively collected self-reported patient outcomes. SETTING: The Veterans Administration (VA) Corporate Data Warehouse, the National Prosthetics Patient Database, participant mailings and phone calls. PARTICIPANTS: 347 Veterans who underwent an incident transtibial (TT) or transfemoral (TF) amputation due to diabetes and/or peripheral artery disease and received a qualifying LLP between March 1, 2018, and November 30, 2020. INTERVENTIONS: Basic, intermediate, and advanced prosthesis sophistication was measured by the accurate and reliable PROClass system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patient reported mobility using the advanced mobility subscale of the Locomotor Capabilities Index-5: mobility satisfaction using a 0-10-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Lower limb amputees who received intermediate or advanced prostheses were more likely to achieve advanced mobility than those who received basic prostheses, with intermediate nearing statistical significance at nearly twice the odds (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI), .98 - 3.3; p=.06). The association was strongest in TF amputees with over 10 times the odds (aOR = 10.2, 95% CI, 1.1 - 96.8; p=.04). The use of an intermediate sophistication prosthesis relative to a basic prosthesis was significantly associated with mobility satisfaction (adjusted ß coefficient (aß) = .77, 95% CI, .11 - 1.4; p=.02). A statistically significant association was only observed in those who underwent a TT amputation (aß = .79, 95% CI, .09 - 1.5; p=.03). CONCLUSIONS: Prosthesis sophistication was not associated with achieving advanced mobility in TT amputees but was associated with greater mobility satisfaction. In contrast, prosthesis sophistication was associated with achieving advanced mobility in TF amputees but was not associated with an increase in mobility satisfaction.

Preoperative Nil Per Os Duration Predicts Mortality and Ambulation Following Below-Knee Amputation.

BACKGROUND: Routine use of nil per os (NPO) prior to procedures has been associated with dehydration and malnutrition leading to patient discomfort. We aim to examine how duration of NPO status affects postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing elective below-knee amputation (BKA). METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 92 patients who underwent elective BKA between 2014-2022 for noninfectious indications. We performed statistical analysis using Chi-square tests, t-tests, and linear/logistic regression with odds ratio using P < .05 as our significance level. RESULTS: The mean age was 48.0 ± 16.7 years, and there were 64 (70%) male patients and 41 (45%) Black patients. Mean NPO duration was 12.9 ± 4.7 hours. Patients with longer NPO duration were associated with increased rates of postoperative stroke (P = .03). Patients with shorter NPO duration had significantly lower mean BUN on postoperative day (POD) 1 (14.5, P < .001) and POD 3 (14.1, P < .001) compared to preoperative mean BUN (16.8), however this normalized by POD 7 (19.2, P = .26). There were no changes in postoperative renal function based on baseline kidney disease status or associated with longer NPO duration. Shorter NPO duration was a predictor of increased likelihood of 1-year follow-up (OR: 2.9 [1.24-6.79], P = .01), independent ambulation (OR: 2.7 [1.03-7.34], P = .04), and decreased mortality (OR: .11 [.013-.91], P = .04). CONCLUSION: While NPO duration does not appear to result in postoperative renal dysfunction, prolonged NPO duration predicts worse rates of follow-up, ambulation, and survival and is associated with increased stroke rates.

Early outcomes and complications of surgically treated diabetic hallucal infection.

OBJECTIVE: Severely infected diabetic ulcers of the big toe often necessitate surgical treatment. Depending on the wound stage and presence of osteomyelitis, conservative surgery and amputation are the main surgical treatments. Few articles reported the outcomes and complications of such procedures. This study is a preliminary comparative report on the early outcomes and complications of hallucal DFI treated with either conservative surgery or amputation. SETTING AND DESIGN: This is a retrospective comparative study comprising a continuous series of patients admitted at our hospital. Initially, all DFU were infected and at advanced stage (Wagner Grade 3 or 4). All clinically suspected cases of osteomyelitis were confirmed by bone pathology and microbiology culture. METHODS: The study included 37 patients diagnosed with DFI. Infection profile was as follows: 23 DFU with osteomyelitis (Wagner Grade 3 or 4) and 14 infected DFU (Wagner Grade 2). Twenty-four conservative procedures and 13 amputation surgeries were performed initially. The primary outcome was defined as the frequency of subsequent surgery (deep infection recurrence treated with surgery). Statistical analysis was used to look for significant difference between both groups. RESULTS: Ten patients (27%) required additional surgeries because of deep infection recurrence. Four recurrences (16.7%) were observed in the conservative group and 6 (46%) in the amputation group (p = 0.054). Amputation rate as a subsequent procedure was 8.3% for the conservative group and the re-amputation rate for the amputation group was 23.1% (p = 0.2). CONCLUSION: The study findings would indicate that the more severe is the initial hallucal infection severity (higher Wagner grade), the higher is the frequency of early surgical complications mainly after an index amputation procedure. Our assessment tools of initial infection extent seems to be underperforming. A more aggressive treatment in the form of a more proximal cut with regard to MRI bone infection signal could be considered to minimize the risk of subsequent surgeries and re-amputations.

Prognosticating prosthetic ambulation ability in people with lower limb amputation in early post-operative phase.

OBJECTIVE: To formulate a prognostication model in the early post-operation phase of lower limb amputation to predict patient's ability to ambulate with a prosthesis post rehabilitation. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study, using data collected from electronic medical records. Predictive factors and prosthetic ambulation outcomes post rehabilitation were used to develop prognostic models via machine learning techniques. SETTING: Regional hospital's ambulatory rehabilitation clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with major lower limb amputation. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome of prosthetic ambulation ability post rehabilitation collected was categorised in 3 groups: non-ambulant with prosthesis, homebound ambulant with prosthesis, and community ambulant with prosthesis. RESULTS: In a 2-class model of non-ambulant and ambulant with prosthesis (homebound and community), the model with highest accuracy of prediction included ethnicity, total functional comorbidity index (FCI), level of amputation, being community ambulant prior to amputation, and age. The f1-score and AUROC of the model is 0.78 and 0.82. In a 3-class model consisting of all 3 groups of outcomes, the model with highest accuracy of prediction required 10 factors. The additional factors from the 2-class model include: presence of caregiver, history of congestive heart failure, diabetes, visual impairment and stroke. The 3-class model has a moderate accuracy with a f1-score and AUROC of 0.60 and 0.79. CONCLUSION: The 2-class prognostication model has a high accuracy which can be used early post-amputation to predict if patient would be ambulant with a prosthesis post rehabilitation. The 3-class prognostication model has moderate accuracy and is able to further differentiate the walking ability to either homebound or community ambulation with a prosthesis, which can assist in prosthetic prescription and setting realistic rehabilitation goals.

Botox in below knee amputation for the management of post-operative contracture: a systematic review.

During the 1970s, scientists first used botulinum toxin to treat strabismus. While testing on monkeys, they noticed that the toxin could also reduce wrinkles in the glabella area. This led to its widespread use in both medical and cosmetic fields. The objective of the study was to evaluate the potential use of Botox in managing post-operative contracture after below-knee amputation. We conducted a systematic review In Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar using the MESH terms Botox, botulinum toxin, post-operative contracture, amputation, and below knee amputation. Our goal was to evaluate the potential use of Botox to manage post-operative contracture in patients who have undergone below-knee amputation. Our findings show evidence in the literature that Botox can effectively manage stump hyperhidrosis, phantom pain, and jumping stump, but no clinical trial has been found that discusses the use of Botox for post-operative contracture. Botox has been used in different ways to manage spasticity. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to support the use of Botox to manage this complication.

V advancement eversion flap for fingertip injury: Preventing ischemia and hook-nail deformity.

Introduction: Traumatic fingertip amputation is the most common type of upper extremity injuries. The V-Y advancement flap is a reliable method for reconstructing fingertip defects, but it is associated with complications such as hook-nail deformity and suture site ischemia. Here, we describe our modifications to V-Y advancement flap technique, termed as "V advancement eversion flap" and review the outcomes of this procedure in 21 patients with fingertip amputation. Methods: This was a retrospective review of 21 consecutive patients with fingertip injury who were treated surgically using the V advancement eversion flap technique at a single trauma center between 2006 and 2019. We analyzed the age, injury location and mechanism, Allen classification, injury geometry, and objective and subjective clinical outcomes. Results: Twenty-three fingertip amputations with defect sizes greater than 1.0 cm2 from the tip to lunula were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 43.6 years (range, 24-65 years). The average follow-up period was 20 months (range, 12-37 months). The average wound healing time (apparent epithelization) was 29.4 days (range, 14-41 days). At the final follow-up, all flaps had healed uneventfully without noticeable hook-nail deformity. In the static two-point discrimination test, the mean value was 4.61 mm in the injured finger. Patient ratings of the outcomes were "excellent" in 18 and "good" in 5 cases. Conclusion: The V advancement eversion flap technique, when properly designed and executed in fingertip amputation cases, can minimize morbidity and result in successful wound healing without flap necrosis and hook-nail deformity.

The continued financial effect of COVID: Increasing costs for non-elective major lower extremity amputations.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated changes in processes of care, which significantly impacted surgical care. This study evaluated the impact of these changes on patient outcomes and costs for non-elective major lower extremity amputations (LEA). Methods: The 2019-2021 Florida Agency for Health Care Administration database was queried for adult patients who underwent non-elective major LEA. Per-patient inflation-adjusted costs were collected. Patient cohorts were established based on Florida COVID-19 mortality rates: COVID-heavy (CH) included nine months with the highest mortality, COVID-light (CL) included nine months with the lowest mortality, and pre-COVID (PC) included nine months before COVID (2019). Outcomes included in-hospital patient outcomes and hospitalization cost. Results: 6132 patients were included (1957 PC, 2104 CH, and 2071 CL). Compared to PC, there was increased patient acuity at presentation, but morbidity (31%), mortality (4%), and length of stay (median 12 [8-17] days) were unchanged during CH and CL. Additionally, costs significantly increased during the pandemic; median total cost rose 9%, room costs increased by 16%, ICU costs rose by 15%, and operating room costs rose by 15%. When COVID-positive patients were excluded, cost of care was still significantly higher during CH and CL. Conclusions: Despite maintaining pre-pandemic standards, as evidenced by unchanged outcomes, the pandemic led to increased costs for patients undergoing non-elective major LEA. This was likely due to increased patient acuity, resource strain, and supply chain shortages during the pandemic. Key message: While patient outcomes for non-elective major lower extremity amputations remained consistent during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare costs significantly increased, likely due to increased patient acuity and heightened pressures on resources and supply chains. These findings underscore the need for informed policy changes to mitigate the financial impact on patients and healthcare systems for future public health emergencies.