Crossover replantation of the foot after bilateral traumatic lower extremity amputation

BACKGROUND: Bilateral traumatic amputation and limb-threatening injury of the lower extremities is more challenging than the unilateral amputation. Successful replantation of both lower extremities has been reported previously. However, orthotopic implantations may not be possible when amputation of both lower limbs with different levels of section and degrees of damage to surrounding tissues occurs. It was reported that the crossover replanted foot in combination with prosthetic limb is better than 2 artificial limbs. Hence, crossover replantation should be considered when anatomic replantation of both lower extremities is not possible as a result of bilateral total or subtotal amputation. To our knowledge, there are few reports about the crossover replantation of the lower extremity in the literature. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old engineer being run over by the train had crushed the bilateral lower limbs in different anatomic levels. We decided to perform the crossover replantation of the right foot to the stump of the left leg to provide the patient with at least 1 weight-bearing sensate extremity. At the latest follow-up examination, 30 months after the operation, he had mild pain, especially in toes of the replanted foot. There was no ulceration in both the replanted extremity and the right amputation stump. The sole has maintained complete protective sensation. The patient described the functional result of the reimplanted leg as satisfying and better than the prosthesis that has caused much more problems than the replanted extremity. He had no complaint about the cosmetic result. He stated that he would have the crossover replantation again under the same condition. He was able to return to his previous job. Moreover, he affirmed that he is able to carry on his all social activities as he had done before the accident except for playing football. In conclusion, the possibility of the crossover replantation should be considered while evaluating the patient with bilateral lower limb injuries to allow the patient to stand on their own foot and still touch ground.     

An experimental study of the effect of fluorocarbon perfusion for amputated limb preservation. The effect of inhibition for replantation toxemia and muscle tissue destruction

In replantation surgery, it is widely accepted that replantation toxemia or muscle destruction in replanted limbs might occur after a long time of ischemia. Their possibilities are particularly high after replantation of the amputated limbs which contain more muscle tissue than tendon and bones. The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy of fluorocarbon (FC: artificial blood) perfusion to the amputated limbs in preventing these problems after replantation. The hind limbs of dogs were completely amputated at mid-thigh. Amputated limbs were divided into two groups. One was stored in ice water and the other at room temperature for six hours. Each group was furthermore divided into four subgroups. The amputated limbs were perfused with oxygenated FC or Hartmann's solution before replantation and remaining limbs were not perfused. All of them were replanted under an operating microscope. The results were as follows: Perfusion with FC had an inhibiting effect on the anaerobic metabolism in an amputated limb and also decreased the rate of death due to replantation toxemia. Perfusion with FC was effective for inhibiting leakage of creatine phosphokinase from the replanted limb and preventing muscle destruction. Both these effects were detected biochemically and histologically. The reactive hyperemia of the replanted limb usually occurred after replantation. This rate, however, was significantly decreased after replantation of the amputated limb perfusion with FC. These effects described above were more remarkable when the amputated limb was perfused continuously rather than intermittently. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that for prevention of systemic ill effect after replantation and for preservation of function of the amputated limb, continuous perfusion with FC in ice water is more effective than ice water cooling alone.     

断肢再植术中血运的临时重建

目的 探讨在断肢再植术中采用临时血运重建的方法以缩短断肢缺血时间，促进断肢功能恢复的可行性。方法 在断肢再植术中使用各种导管先行临时血运重建，然后再按常规方法行再值术，并与单纯按常规法行再植术进行客观指标的统计比较。结果 术中采用临时血运重建方法疗效满意，优于常规手术方法。结论 在断肢再植术中采用血运临时重建方法具有临床实用性，对恢复断肢功能具有重要价值。     

特殊类型断肢（指）再植的临床研究

探讨特殊类型断肢(指)的再植方法。方法:对468例9种特殊类型的断肢(指),采用原位、移位、缩短再植;胫后动脉皮瓣桥接肱动脉再植;邻指血管神经肌腱转移替代再植;无血再植;吻合离断关节复合组织体及其与肢体近远端离断的血管、神经等方法进行再植。结果:再植成功率达93％,功能恢复优良率达86％。结论:通过临床应用上述再植方法,扩大了肢(指)体毁损性离断伤,多指多平面离断伤,关节复合组织体离断伤,小儿及老年人肢(指)体离断伤等的再植指征。探索出对特殊类型断肢(指)再植的新方法。     

上肢离断再植20例报道

目的 总结20例上肢离断再植的经验教训,探讨提高上肢离断再植疗效的方法.方法 2003年3月-2010年3月,对20例断臂患者施行再植手术.结果 再植上肢19例成活,1例坏死.经6个月～7年随访,拇对掌功能及手指感觉均有一定恢复.结论 手术尽量缩短热缺血时间,对肘部离断病例,力求保留关节,长骨固定要牢固可靠,利于术后早期功能锻炼.     

Anxiety and trauma perception and quality of life in patients who have undergone replantation

The difficulty in keeping an amputated limb biologically alive is overcome day by day thanks to the successful replantation procedures applied in the early period. However, the reflections of this biological success on patients in functional and psychological terms may not be pleasing all the time. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the perceptual responses of patients to trauma after replantation and their possible effects on clinical results. We conducted a retrospective study of 43 patients who underwent replantation. The average age was 32.4 years and the average follow-up period was 38.6 months. When the results of the Short Form-36 (SF-36), Beck's Depression Inventory, and the assessment scores of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand survey were evaluated, there was a negative correlation between the patients diagnosed with depression and all SF-36 subunits. A negative correlation between the severity of trauma and the average physical and mental values included in the SF-36 evaluations was observed (R = 0.48, R = 0.51, respectively),. These results revealed that the psychology of the patient was one of the important factors that could not be ignored in the success of replantation.     

断掌再植45例临床分析

目的：探讨显微外科技术治疗断掌再植的方法及临床疗效。方法：自2009年1月至2012年12月,采用显微外科技术急诊行断掌再植术治疗断掌患者45例,其中男37例,女8例;年龄13~45岁,平均25岁。术后采用存活率、中华医学会手外科学会上肢断肢再植功能评定试用标准对断掌再植功能恢复以及临床疗效进行评价。结果：通过再植手术治疗断掌患者45例,共成活39例共121指,成活率为87%;45例患者均获随访,时间3~15.5个月,平均11.5个月。中华医学会手外科学会上肢断肢再植功能评定试用标准总分80.27±1.93,其中优27例,良8例,差4例。结论：严谨把握断掌再植手术的适应证,掌握断掌复杂性的特点以及局部解剖关系,术中做到清创彻底,残存组织利用充分,并结合显微外科技术尽快、最大程度地吻合动静脉,重建血液循环并使损伤的神经得到合理的修复是断掌再植成功的关键。     

Retrospective of the replantation of severed limbs in the People's Republic of China: current status and prospects

Thirty-eight years have past since Chinese surgeons first reported the successful replantation of a severed limb. The following article reports the current status of replantation surgery in the People's Republic of China, addresses issues of complex replantation and reconstruction of severed limbs, and discusses future prospects and implications for replantation microsurgery.     

特殊性断肢断指再植的临床研究

目的 探讨如何提高对特殊性断肢断指再植的成活率及功能恢复.方法 对190例13种特殊类型的断肢断指采用原位、移位及血管、神经、肌腱转位和移植等方法进行再植手术.结果 再植后成活率达93%,按断指再植疗效评定标准优良率达85%.结论 通过上述临床研究,扩大了特殊类型断肢断指再植,并探索出在特殊性断肢断指再植术中各种组织修复方法和术后康复与功能重建等观点.     

Replantation at lower leg level]

INTRODUCTION: Replantation in reconstructive surgery is an established procedure due to microsurgical techniques. It can be routinely performed in unilateral lower leg amputation. In some cases of bilateral amputation, in which orthotopic replantation is not possible due to the complex trauma, heterotopic replantation is a therapeutic option. This avoids prosthetic fitting. METHODS: We report five cases of orthotopic and two of heterotopic lower limb replantations. Functional outcome concerning sensibility, mobility, pain, and aesthetic result were assessed clinically and using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Functional outcome and patient satisfaction were good. The psychological situation of the patients as well as mobility and stability of the replanted limbs were satisfying. Heterotopically replanted patients found the replanted legs superior to the prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, in lower leg amputation, attempts should be made to replant the extremity. In bilateral lower leg amputations, at least one limb should be reconstructed, even if "only" a heterotopic replantation can be performed.     

Major limb replantation in children

This retrospective study evaluated patients under 18 years of age who underwent major limb replantation between 1976 and 1989 at Louisville Hand Surgery. The age of the 15 patients followed for between 1 and 8.5 years (mean 4.2 years) ranged from 2 to 17 years (mean 9.8). Of amputations, 40% were guillotine, 40% were limited crush-avulsions, 7% were extended crushing, and eight were of an upper extremity and seven of a lower extremity. Average warm/total ischemia times were 4.8/14.8 hr in failures and 1.1/7.5 hours in successful replantation. Overall limb survival was 87%. Among the patients, 93% felt that their replanted limb functioned and looked better than a prosthesis; 87% of patients had a sensory recovery of more than S2+ in the lower extremity or S3 in the upper extremity; and 38% of upper extremity replantation patients had two-point discrimination of less than 15 mm.     

Farm-related limb amputations in children

The purpose of this study was to review results for children sustaining traumatic farm-related limb amputations. Farm machinery accidents were responsible for 12 limb amputations among 260 consecutive childhood traumatic amputations. All amputations resulted in open, grade III-C fractures. Treatment consisted of operative debridement, antibiotics, possible replantation, and delayed wound closure. Mean follow-up was 8 years (range 1-20). Wound closure was achieved at a mean of 22 days (range 2-88) after an average of seven operative procedures (range, 2-11 operations). Skin grafting was necessary for 9 of the 12 limbs. Blood replacement was necessary for all but one patient. Initial wound cultures revealed polymicrobial contamination in all patients. Clinical infections developed exclusively and in all (6/6) patients who underwent attempted replantation. Replantation was considered in all cases and was attempted for six limbs but was successful in only two patients. Failure of replantation in four limbs was due to vascular insufficiency and infection. The surviving replanted limbs have continued to grow and have regained protective sensation. Prosthetic use ranges from excellent to intermittent among the 10 patients with permanent amputation. Farm-related limb amputations are among the most severe orthopaedic injuries sustained by children. Despite massive contamination, infection occurred only in replanted limbs. Because of the mutilating nature of these amputations, less than 20% can be successfully replanted.     

An ischemia-induced model of revascularization failure of replanted limbs

Twenty-five amputated rat hindlimbs were replanted after various periods of warm ischemia. The incidence of limb failure that was due to the no-reflow phenomenon was found to be 0% after 2 or 3 hours of warm ischemia, 50% after 4 hours, and 80% after 5 hours of ischemia. Predictors of the occurrence of no-reflow were the presence of an increased number of venous red blood cell aggregates 5 minutes after replantation, the slope of the tissue pH curve that was recorded for 1 hour after replantation, and assessment of hydrogen washout flow to the foot pad. All limbs had excellent flow immediately after revascularization. The marked difference in flow that was detected 1 hour after replantation between the limb survival group (n = 16) and the limb failure group (n = 9) suggests an ongoing obstructive process. In those limbs that were successfully replanted, an 18% increase in femoral artery flow was found after revascularization compared with a 20% decrease in flow to the muscle and a 3% decrease to the foot pad. This supports the concept that arteriovenous shunting occurs after replantation. The presence of microthrombi that adhere to the vessel wall after replantation correlated well with limb failure. Our observations support ongoing arterial obstruction, arteriovenous shunting, and an altered thrombogenic-fibrinolytic system as factors that may be responsible for the no-reflow phenomenon.     

Proximal upper limb replantation in children

Proximal upper limb amputation not only leads to serious local disability but carries with it substantial systemic implications. The replantation of an avulsed limb is all too frequently followed by disappointing functional results. In children, however, with secure bony stability, vascular reconstruction and immediate appropriate nerve repair the results of replantation can be most gratifying. Two such cases have been seen at The Hospital for Sick Children and are reported in detail. The late functional results as illustrated make this complex procedure a very worthwhile undertaking.     

Evaluation outcome of replanted digits using the DASH score: review of 38 patients

The ultimate usefulness of replanted fingers is related to the adequacy of nerve, tendon and bone repair. Thirty-eight patients with successful replantation of the thumb, a single finger or after multiple digital amputations were followed up clinically. The subjective disability after finger replantation was evaluated by means of the DASH score, and the presence of cold intolerance was assessed. The subjective outcome of the achieved replantation reached an overall DASH score of 12.3. Patients after thumb replantation reached a score of 10.0, after a single finger replantation DASH 11.2 and after multiple finger amputations and replantation of at least one finger, DASH 16.1. Cold intolerance was subjectively found in 86.7% of all hands with replanted fingers without a correlation to the patients DASH scores. The patient's evaluation of their limb function after replanted digits by means of the DASH score, when combined with an objective external assessment, represents a valuable comparative tool.     

Eleven-year follow-up of cross-leg replantation for traumatic bilateral amputation

The advent of microsurgery has allowed the replantation of traumatically amputated limbs. Replantation of a severed limb to the contralateral stump in bilateral traumatic amputation, however, is rarer, and criticisms include a prolonged hospital stay and complications. A 54-year-old man was caught in a paper-pulping machine and suffered bilateral lower limb amputation rendering his left lower leg unsalvageable. The right lower leg, after debridement however, was suitable for replantation to the left stump. This replantation was performed successfully. The patient was rehabilitated with a contralateral prosthesis and ambulates with a walking stick. At 11-year follow-up the patient has a preference for his replanted leg in contrast to his contralateral prosthesis and has suffered no long-term complications. In addition, from a psychological perspective, he has experienced restoration of perceived body length with the cross-leg replantation.     

Can indications for lower limb replantation and revascularization be expanded with simultaneous free-flap transfer for limb salvage?

High-energy trauma from road accidents and work-related injuries is the most common cause of lower-limb traumatic amputations. Many of these cases require extensive debridement and substantial bone shortening for primary closure because of crushing and/or avulsion of the involved parts. Since 1998, the authors have replanted or revascularized five lower limbs in five patients. Free tissue transfers have been used to cover soft-tissue defects during replantation and revascularization in all patients. The numbers and kinds of free flaps include one latissimus dorsi muscle, two transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM), and two anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flaps. Survival of the replanted and revascularized limbs and transferred flaps was obtained in four patients. Below-knee amputation was performed because of flap necrosis and extensive infection in one patient. Simultaneous free-tissue transfers may be used simultaneously with lower limb replantation or revascularization to obtain functional extremities in appropriately selected patients. The indications for lower limb salvage may be enhanced and successful results may be obtained in one stage, with low complication rates and shorter hospital stays. The authors report their experience with simultaneous free tissue transfers and lower limb replantation or revascularization.     

小腿离断伤再植(附17 例报告)

目的 探讨小腿离断伤再植的手术适应证及并发症处理。方法 收集我科1992年至今的小腿离断伤再植完整病例资料17例18小腿进行归纳分析。结果 17例患者除1例术后1个月予以截肢外，其余均痊愈。随访1～8a，平均5.5a，效果较满意。结论 严格掌握手术适应证，仔细灵活的应用显微外科技术进行小腿离断伤再植，正确的处理手术后并发症，可以获得较为满意的患肢功能。     

Above-the-knee replantation in a child: a case report with a 24-year follow-up

Replantation of an amputated limb is generally contraindicated in crushing and traction injuries. Injury to muscle tissue and skin also creates difficulties in coverage, and bony fractures may shorten limb length which can impede lower extremity function. Numerous cases have been reported on the successful replantation of the lower limb in children; however, review of previous English literature has documented only very few replantation at the thigh level, and those with severe crushing injury resulted in subsequent amputation. We report a case of successful thigh-level replantation in a 3-year-old child who sustained a crushing–traction type of injury with a follow-up of 24 years. After the replantation, early and late complications developed but these were successfully managed. On her last visit, the patient had pain-free ambulation without assistance, had intact protective sensation distal to the injury, and was very satisfied with the outcome. Replantation of the lower limb in children with crushing or avulsion type of injuries is still a worthwhile procedure. However, both the patient and the family should be aware that multiple surgeries may be needed to accommodate to long-term complications such as joint stiffness, scar contractures, and limb length discrepancies.     

Major limb replantation in children

After the first successful replantation of a completely amputated extremity in a 12-year-old boy undertaken by Ronald Malt at the Massachusetts General Hospital in 1962 (Malt and McKhann, Journal of the American Medical Association, 189:716–722, 1964) numerous series of major limb replantations have been reported in adults. The reports of major limb replantation in children are relatively rare and are usually included in adult series. During the last 14 years, 18 children with major limb amputations were treated at the Microsurgical and Replantation Unit of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Ioannina Medical School. Of these, 13 were complete amputations (11 upper extremity and 2 lower extremity), while 5 were incomplete nonviable amputations (3 upper extremity and 2 lower extremity). The success rate following replantation of the complete amputations was 76.9%, while for the incomplete, nonviable amputations success was 80%. Preoperative evaluation, operative management, postoperative care, and the results of this difficult but rewarding procedure are analysed and discussed in this review. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.