Surgical Difficulties Encountered With Use of Modular Endoprosthesis for Limb Preserving Salvage of Failed Allograft Reconstruction After Malignant Tumor Resection

We reviewed outcomes and discussed surgical difficulties encountered in 10 patients who had modular endoprosthesis for limb preserving salvage of failed allograft reconstruction after malignant tumor resection. Mean allograft survival time before failure was 127.4 months (range, 14-264 months). Mean length of follow-up since endoprosthesis revision surgery was 62.8 months (range, 16-132 months). There was one endoprosthesis failure, resulting in a mean endoprosthesis survival time of 56.9 months (range, 16-132). Complications included arterial laceration, nerve injury, periprosthetic crack fracture, aseptic loosening, and infection. Modular endoprosthesis remain a viable option that should be considered in any limb preserving salvage of failed allograft reconstructions. However, altered anatomy, poor/short remnant host bone, periprosthetic fractures, inadequate soft tissue coverage and infection remain important difficulties encountered.     

Weichteilsarkome der Extremitäten

Whereas amputation was regularly carried out as a curative treatment strategy for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities three decades ago, limb salvage procedures are nowadays preferred. In combination with adjuvant irradiation these procedures do not lead to higher recurrence rates.Limb salvage procedures are only considered if tumor-free resection margins and superior function can be achieved by extremity preservation compared with amputation. The modularity is a specific feature of tumor prostheses and forms the basis for the extensive flexibility of the surgeon and comprehensive possibilities for bone and joint reconstruction. The success of the development of modular tumor prostheses must be considered against the background of high rates of complications and revision.Studies of megaprostheses of the lower extremities show an implant survival of 77–100% after 10 years and a failure rate of 22% over 10 years. Due to a lower mechanical stress the results are better for the upper extremities. Infection rates for proximal humeral replacement are low. In contrast infection rates after proximal or distal femoral or proximal tibial replacement can be as high as 20–25%. After bone and joint replacement of the lower extremities and in particular after proximal tibial replacement, significant functional deficits are to be expected. Better results are reported after proximal femoral replacement and reconstructive procedures of the upper extremities.Studies on the quality of life after extremity preservation by means of tumor prostheses should include evaluation of complication and revision rates and aspects of postoperative function. An overall analysis of these factors is required for conclusive statements about amputation vs. reconstruction in individual cases.     

Endpoint: When revision arthroplasty is no longer an option

The volume of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasing. While the tools to address these complex patients have improved over recent decades, hip reconstructive surgeons will no-doubt be confronted with difficult cases, and the consideration of salvage procedures must be undertaken. In the face of significant medical comorbidities, chronic infection, soft tissue concerns, and bone loss there comes a time when the risk of revision, both in terms of complication as well as poor outcome, becomes untenable. This article reviews the research surrounding the salvage options following failed THA, namely amputation, arthrodesis, resection arthroplasty, and benign neglect.     

Infected fractures of the distal tibial metaphysis and plafond: achievement of limb salvage with free muscle flaps, bone grafting, and ankle fusion

Infection after fractures of the tibial plafond is a challenging problem that may even result in amputation. The current study evaluates a limb salvage protocol and the associated long term functional outcome in 6 patients (mean age 46 years) who were treated for infection after a fracture of the distal tibial metaphysis and plafond. Our limb salvage protocol included 3 stages: 1) radical debridement and stabilization of the ankle with a bridging external fixator, 2) soft tissue coverage with free muscle flaps, and 3) ankle fusion using iliac crest bone graft for filling the existing defects measuring 4.2 cm on average. At a mean followup of 5.5 years (range, 2-10.5 years), limb-salvage and eradication of infection was accomplished in all extremities. Fusion of the ankle joint was achieved in all patients, with one patient requiring a supplemental bone grafting procedure for delayed healing of the fusion site. All patients are able to walk without assistive devices and five of six patients are pain free. Limb salvage with free muscle flaps, bone grafting, and ankle fusion is a viable option for the treatment of infected tibial metaphysis and plafond fractures.     

Role of staged endoprosthetic revision with flap cover for limb salvage in endoprosthetic failure

Endoprosthetic replacement (EPR) is commonly required for limb salvage in bone malignancies. Endoprosthetic failure is a term used to denote mechanical failure or infection usually requiring removal of the prosthesis. Treatment of infection consists of EPR revision with or without placement of a temporary spacer. Flap cover (either local or free) may be required if the overlying soft tissues are of concern. It is claimed that the investment of the endoprosthesis in well-vacularised soft tissue facilitates the eradication of infection. This series included nine patients with endoprosthetic failure due to chronic infection who needed flap cover. These patients underwent revision of the EPR in two stages. The first stage of revision included removal of the endoprosthesis, insertion of a spacer and soft tissue reconstruction. If serial sampling of the periprosthetic space failed to demonstrate microbial growth, the spacer was exchanged for an endoprosthesis. A total of nine patients underwent staged revision of endoprosthesis. In five patients cover was provided by a local pedicled flap and in four by a free flap. Patients undergoing cover by a broad flat musculocutaneous flap (i.e. free/pedicled latissimus dorsi) performed better. This study reports the results of attempted limb salvage in endoprosthetic failure due to infection in nine cases. Initial findings in this small series indicate that staged revision and soft tissue reconstruction in the form of muscle flap investment of the endoprosthesis carries a higher rate of successful limb salvage.

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Résumé Le remplacement prothètique est fréquemment utilisé pour la chirurgie conservatrice dans les tumeurs osseuses. La faillite de ces prothèses correspond à un échec mécanique ou à une infection qui nécéssite habituellement l’ablation de la prothèse.Le traitement de l’infection consiste en la revision chirurgicale de la prothèse avec ou sans mise en place temporaire d’un espaceur. Une couverture par lambeau (local ou libre) peut être nécessaire selon l’état des parties molles. Il semble que la mise en place de la prothèse au sein de parties molles bien vascularisées facilite l’éradication de l’infection. Présentation d’une étude de 9 patients ayant une faillite de prothèse par infection et ayant besoin d’un lambeau de couverture. La revision a été faite en 2 temps, le second étant realisé si une série de prélévements dans l’espace péri-prothètique ne montraient plus de prolifération microbienne. Dans 5 cas la couverture était réalisée avec un lambeau local et dans 4 cas avec un lambeau libre. Les patients avec un lambeau musculo-cutané libre (grand dorsal) avaient un meilleur résultat. Les résultats précoces de cette petite série montrent que la reprise en 2 temps avec couverture prothètique par un lambeau musculaire donne un taux élevé de réussite dans la préservation des membres.

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Presented at the Summer Meeting 2005 of British Association of Plastic Surgeons at Windsor, United Kingdom.     

Long-term results following surgical management of aortic graft infection

Between January 1970 and June 1988, a total of 45 patients with aortic prosthetic graft infection underwent removal of the infected aortic prosthesis. In addition, 36 of these patients also underwent revascularization via an extra-anatomic bypass. We analyzed the early and long-term results with respect to survival, limb salvage, freedom from infection, and extra-anatomic graft patency. The 30-day mortality was 24% (11/45), and the amputation rate was 11% (8/73). During a mean follow-up of 36 months (range, 2 to 144 months), 80% (24/30) of the patients remained free of infection and are considered cured. Infection in the extra-anatomic bypass graft was the most common cause of recurrent sepsis and the leading cause of late amputations (four of seven). By life-table methods, 1-year survival was 63% and 5-year survival was 49%. Limb salvage rates at 1 and 5 years were 79% and 66%, respectively. The primary patency rate of extra-anatomic bypass was 43% at 3 years, with the secondary patency rate improved to 65%. These early and late results are in marked contrast to the natural history of untreated aortic graft infection. Nonetheless, a perioperative mortality rate of 24%, a 5-year limb loss rate of 33%, and 3-year graft thrombosis rate of 35% are testimony to the serious nature of aortic graft infection and the need to develop better methods to prevent this complication.     

Talectomy as Part of Chronic Foot and Ankle Deformity Correction Procedure: A Retrospective Study

Severe foot and ankle deformities can be associated with high complication rates and impaired quality of life in patients. Surgical correction using a talectomy procedure has previously been described in many lower extremity pathologies and is a powerful tool for the correction of severe foot and ankle deformity. This study aimed to describe the role of talectomy and the outcomes of this procedure in patients presenting with severe foot and ankle deformity. A review of 45 patients undergoing talectomy by a single surgeon was completed. Data extracted included the cause of deformity, history of infection, body mass index, and relevant comorbidities. Outcome measures of interest were minor or major complications and limb functionality at final follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed by using a Wilcoxon rank sum test and a Fisher exact test looking at variables affecting selected outcome measures. Limb salvage occurred in 38 of 45 patients (84.4%). Patients with an infection history had 89% lower odds of a functional limb at final follow-up (p = .0389). Six of 7 patients (85.7%) who ultimately underwent amputation had a history of prior infection. Women had 8.25 times higher odds of having a functional limb compared with men (p = .047). All 13 patients with major complications had neuropathy (p = .024). Patients with chronic lower extremity deformities can successfully be treated with a talectomy as a part of the reconstructive procedure. This is a challenging patient population that is associated with a high complication rate. Patients with a history of infection should be counseled on the possibility of requiring major amputation.     

Outcomes following Distal Bypass Graft Occlusion in Diabetics

The objectives of this study were to define clinical outcomes following distal bypass graft occlusion in diabetic patients and identify factors predictive of limb loss. A retrospective review was conducted of all distal graft occlusions over a 5-year period in diabetic patients. Popliteal grafts, perioperative (30 days) failures, and redo distal bypasses were excluded. Eighty grafts were studied (43 cases done for ulcers, 31 for gangrene, and 6 for rest pain). Time to occlusion averaged 13 ± 17 months post-bypass (median 6 months). Interventions following graft occlusion (lysis, thrombectomy, revision, or new bypass) were carried out in only 26 cases, leading to limb salvage in 11 cases (42%). This compares to a limb salvage rate of 54% in the 54 cases where no intervention was done (p = NS). The overall amputation rate was 50% (14 AKAs and 26 BKAs). The interval between graft occlusion and amputation averaged 2 ± 2 months. Limbs saved were followed an average of 14 ± 11 months after graft occlusion. The presence of a foot wound (new or old) was associated with a higher likelihood of amputation (67% vs. 32% for cases with no foot wounds at the time of bypass failure; p < 0.005). In cases requiring an amputation, the toebrachial index averaged 0 ± 0 post-bypass failure vs. 0.2 ± 0.2 in cases where limbs were saved (p < 0.05). Patients with congestive heart failure or who were nonambulatory at the time of graft occlusion were more likely to end up with an amputation (p < 0.05). Limb loss was also more likely when gangrene had been the initial operative indication. No other factors were predictive of limb loss, including vein configuration, inflow or outflow level, prior bypass revision, known graft stenosis, time to occlusion, age, gender, other medical conditions, pre- or post-bypass ABI or TBI, graft velocities, or use of anticoagulants. Limb loss following primary distal bypass failure in diabetics is high. Repeat interventions have limited success. The findings justify aggressive programs of graft maintenance, and vigorous attempts at early closure of foot wounds. Presented at the Thirteenth Annual Winter Meeting of the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society, Snowmass, CO, January 31–February 2, 2003.     

二期翻修治疗膝关节肿瘤型人工关节感染

目的探讨二期翻修术治疗膝关节肿瘤型人工关节感染的疗效。方法 2003年8月-2010年8月,收治22例保肢术后膝关节肿瘤型人工关节感染患者。男11例,女11例;年龄15～55岁,平均29.6岁。其中20例为初次关节置换术后感染,2例为翻修术后;术后15 d～89个月发生感染。感染按照Coventry和Fitzgerald等人工关节感染分型标准:Ⅰ型3例,Ⅱ型15例,Ⅲ型4例。发生感染至该次入院时间为5～47个月,平均10.2个月。细菌培养提示阳性9例,阴性13例。2例出现发热,白细胞计数升高。一期清创术取出假体,临时骨水泥填充旷置;待感染控制后行二期翻修。结果一期清创术前C反应蛋白及红细胞沉降率均明显高于二期翻修术前,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术后患者均获随访,随访时间5～63个月,平均23.6个月。一期清创术后18例(81.8%)感染控制,其中1例拒绝二期翻修,17例行二期翻修术;17例中1例因术后5个月感染复发,行截肢术。4例(18.2%)感染未控制,行截肢术。保肢率为77.3%(17/22)。1例肾癌骨转移患者因原发病于术后1年6个月死亡。末次随访时16例关节功能采用美国骨与软组织肿瘤学会功能评分(MSTS 93)为(69.4±12.7)分。结论肿瘤型人工关节重建后感染,应根据情况及时行二期翻修手术,可获得较好疗效。     

Foot and ankle reconstruction after blast injuries

Foot and ankle reconstruction following blast trauma is particularly challenging based on the devastating soft tissue injuries associated with open comminuted fractures. Considering the difficulties encountered in reconstruction, the functional limitations associated with many salvaged limbs, and the superior performance of contemporary prosthetics, many injured service members may benefit more from below knee amputation than from limb salvage. Limb salvage of blast-injured extremities is a multidisciplinary effort directed toward eradication of infection, treatment of soft tissue and bone defects, and management of late reconstructive procedures. External ring fixators have an important and expanding role in the treatment algorithm.     

Outcome of complex vascular and orthopedic injuries of the lower extremity

Thirty-two patients undergoing limb salvage procedures for complex vascular and orthopedic injuries of the lower extremity were studied in order to identify prognostic indicators for delayed amputation in this select group. A high incidence of nerve (38%), soft tissue (66%), and remote injury (47%) was noted. A comprehensive and integrated approach to vascular, orthopedic, and plastic reconstruction was utilized. Of the 32 patients studied, 1 (3.1%) died as a result of remote injury and sepsis. Amputation was required in 9 patients (28%), while 13 (56%) of the patients with limb salvage showed persistent functional or neurologic deficits. Infection was the most significant factor associated with amputation (p less than 0.0005) and was not avoided by the perioperative use of antibiotics. Delayed amputation resulted in a significant extension of total hospitalization (p less than 0.005). The authors favor an aggressive approach to limb salvage with IIIC injury but recommend early amputation in the presence of significant nerve disruption. An attentive use of tissue debridement, intravenous antibiotics, and early wound coverage is needed to limit infection.     

Traumatic and trauma-related amputations: part I: general principles and lower-extremity amputations

Deliberate attention to the management of soft tissue is imperative when performing an amputation. Identification and proper management of the nerves accompanied by the performance of a stable myodesis and ensuring robust soft-tissue coverage are measures that will improve patient outcomes. Limb length should be preserved when practicable; however, length preservation at the expense of creating a nonhealing or painful residual limb with poor soft-tissue coverage is contraindicated. While a large proportion of individuals with a trauma-related amputation remain severely disabled, a chronically painful residual limb is not inevitable and late revision amputations to improve soft-tissue coverage, stabilize the soft tissues (revision myodesis), or remove symptomatic neuromas can dramatically improve patient outcomes. Psychosocial issues may dramatically affect the outcomes after trauma-related amputations. A multidisciplinary team should be consulted or created to address the multiple complex physical, mental, and psychosocial issues facing patients with a recent amputation.     

The Stanmore knee arthrodesis prosthesis

Knee arthrodesis is most commonly performed for failed total knee arthroplasty. Conventional arthrodesis techniques are associated with a high incidence of complications and are unsuitable in cases with extensive bone loss. We report our medium-term results using a custom-made cemented knee arthrodesis prosthesis in 10 patients with a mean follow-up of 56.4 months (range, 15-199 months). The prosthesis was implanted as a 1- or 2-stage procedure for infected revision knee arthroplasty or tumor endoprosthesis in 9 patients and as a primary procedure in 1 patient with angiosarcoma involving the knee extensor mechanism. The average combined femoral and tibial bone deficit was 170 mm (range, 56-220 mm). Implant survivorship was 90%. All patients with retained prosthesis had no evidence of residual infection or loosening and were able to mobilize independently. One prosthesis was revised though retained following a prosthetic fracture, and 1 patient underwent above-knee amputation for uncontrolled infection. We conclude that the Stanmore knee arthrodesis prosthesis provides reliable fusion in an otherwise difficult-to-treat group of patients.     

应用假体翻修大段异体骨保肢失败后的功能重建

目的探讨应用组合式假体翻修大段异体骨感染或骨折的疗效。方法回顾性研究了美国迈阿密大学医学院和中山大学附属第一医院骨肿瘤科共22例肩关节或膝关节周围肿瘤的患者,大段异体骨保肢失败后,应用肿瘤型假体重建肢体功能。最初诊断包括骨肉瘤11例、软骨肉瘤4例、恶性纤维组织细胞瘤3例、骨巨细胞瘤2例、恶性血管内皮瘤1例和鼻咽癌转移瘤1例。发病部位包括股骨远端15例、肱骨近端3例和胫骨近端4例。结果异体骨失败原因包括:骨折14例、感染6例、持久不愈合1例、合并骨折和感染1例。异体骨移植后平均随访154.2(63～293)个月,假体翻修后平均随访73.4(24～234)个月。90.9%(20/22)的患者最终肢体功能良好,MSTS功能评分为76.5%(60%～93.3%)。81.8%(18/22)的患者假体翻修手术成功,在翻修失败的患者中,1例肱骨近端肿瘤患者为了改善功能经历了多次翻修手术,另1例股骨远端的患者,异体骨移植失败假体翻修后,由于假体近端松动而进行二次翻修——全股骨置换术,另外2例股骨远端的患者翻修后合并感染和骨折而截肢。结论异体骨重建因骨折或感染失败后,再次行假体翻修重建肢体功能是可靠的,并发症较低。翻修技术会影响重建肢体的功能。对于异体骨感染的患者,建议分期翻修重建肢体功能。     

High complication rate after extendible endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal tibia: a retrospective study of 42 consecutive children

Background and purpose — The long-term outcome of reconstruction with extendible prostheses after resection of tumors the proximal tibia in children is unknown. We investigated the functional outcome, complication rate and final limb salvage rate after this procedure.

Patients and methods — 42 children who had a primary extendible replacement of the proximal tibia for bone tumor with a Stanmore implant between 1992 and 2013 were identified in the department’s database. All notes were reviewed to identify the oncological and functional outcomes, the incidence of complications and the rate of amputation. 20 children were alive at final follow-up. Median follow-up time was 6 years and minimum follow-up for surviving patients was 3 years.

Results — The overall limb salvage rate was 35/42; amputation was needed in 7 children. 15 implants were revised with a new implant. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was 73% (40–93) at final follow-up. The overall complication rate was 32/42. Soft tissue problems were the most common mode of complication, noted in 15 children, whereas structural failure and infection occurred in 12 children each. Use of prostheses with non-invasive lengthening was associated with a higher infection rate as compared with conventional ones (4/6 vs. 8/36) and inferior limb survival.

Interpretation — Extendible replacements of the proximal tibia allow for limb salvage and satisfactory late functional outcome but have a high rate of complications. The use of non-invasive lengthening implants has not shown any benefit compared with conventional designs and is, rather, associated with higher risk for infection and amputation.     

Complex limb salvage or early amputation for severe lower-limb injury: a meta-analysis of observational studies

PURPOSE: Leg threatening injuries present patients and clinicians with a difficult decision: whether to pursue primary amputation or limb salvage? The purpose of our study was to review the literature in an effort to inform this management decision. METHODS: We systematically searched and selected observational studies that reported on individuals presenting with leg threatening injuries comparing outcomes of limb salvage versus primary amputation. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE. We reported on the following outcomes, and pooled data across trials when possible: length of hospital stay, total rehabilitation time, cost, clinical outcomes, failure rate for limb salvage, function & quality of life, pain, return to work, factors associated with poor outcome, and patient preference. RESULTS: Nine observational studies contributed data to our systematic review. The current evidence suggests that while length of hospital stay is similar for limb salvage and primary amputation, length of rehabilitation and total costs are higher for limb salvage patients. Salvage patients requires greater additional surgery and are significantly more likely to undergo re-hospitalization. Long-term functional outcomes (up to 7 years post injury) are equivalent between limb salvage and primary amputation; both forms of management are associated with high rates of self-reported disability (40%; to 50%;), and functional status continues to worsen over time. Report of pain following limb salvage or primary amputation is similar. Return to work is essentially the same between limb salvage and primary amputation groups, with approximately half of such patients returning to competitive employment at 2 years post injury. Both clinical and psychosocial factors are associated with poorer functional outcomes. At the time of injury patients prefer limb salvage, but the majority of failed salvage patients would opt for early amputation if they could decide again. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Functional outcome among patients who present with leg-threatening injuries are not significantly different, at least up to 7 years, whether they are managed with limb salvage or primary amputation. Research to optimize triage decisions to avoid failed limb salvage as well as on interventions targeting important psychosocial prognostic variables should be considered a priority.     

Outcomes and Management of Infected Intramedullary Nails After Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis in Limb Salvage: A Retrospective Case Series

Retrograde intramedullary nails are often used for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis to correct severe hindfoot deformities in high-risk patient populations. The purposes of the current study are to report outcomes of patients undergoing staged management of infection after intramedullary nail fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis and to review the surgical approach to management of this limb-threatening complication. The authors reviewed patients who underwent hindfoot intramedullary nailing with subsequent revision for infection between January 2006 and December 2016. Staged protocol with antibiotic nail for the management of deep infection was used in 19 patients. The mean follow-up was 115.87 ± 92.80 (range 2.29 to 341.86) weeks. Twelve of the patients had diabetes, 10 had Charcot neuroarthropathy, and 7 had arthrodesis for equinovarus deformity. Sixteen had peripheral neuropathy and 13 had history of ulceration on the operated extremity. Limb salvage with the use of this protocol was achieved in 14 (73.68%) of 19 patients. Five (26.32%) patients had proximal amputation with 3 (15.79%) deaths within the follow-up period. Amputation was more likely in the nonsmoking (p = .01) and insulin-dependent (odds ratio = 22, p = .02) patient cohorts, whereas death was associated only with higher body mass index (p = .03). Time to revision was greater in patients with external bracing postoperatively as well (p = .004). Outcomes, including total number of procedures and retained antibiotic rods, were not associated with any of the preoperative variables or indications. In high-risk patient populations, the presented staged management of infected intramedullary hindfoot nails showed promising outcomes for limb preservation.     

Arteriovenous fistula in arterial reconstruction of the ischemic limb

The high flow associated with an arteriovenous fistula has been shown to help maintain patency in small arterial anastomoses. In 37 male patients we created common ostium arteriovenous fistula at the distal tibial or peroneal anastomosis as a part of their arterial reconstruction for threatened limb loss. Limb salvage was achieved in 28. Successful amputations at a lower level than would have been anticipated were performed in three. There was early graft failure in four patients resulting in below-the-knee amputations. This operative approach may be helpful in patients who have had previous revascularization procedures that have failed, who resist the idea of amputation, and who fulfill the angiographic criteria of extremely poor runoff with an absent or deficient pedal arch.     

Management of infection following reconstruction in bone tumors

Limb salvage surgery in bone tumors has evolved in recent years and includes all of the surgical procedures designed to accomplish removal of a malignant tumor and reconstruction of the limb with an acceptable oncologic, functional, and cosmetic result. This dramatic change came about as the result of three important developments, i.e. effective chemotherapy, improved precision imaging techniques and advances in reconstructive surgery. Reconstruction with a modular custom-made oncological endoprosthesis (megaprosthesis) has become a common procedure nowadays. These large foreign bodies make infection a common and feared complication. However, the occurrence of complications may be multifactorial, including a poor nutritional and compromised immune status due to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, a lengthy operation, extensive dissection and resection of soft tissues, inadequate soft-tissue coverage, a longer exposure of the wound resulting in infection, etc. Management of postoperative infection in these cases remains a challenge. This article analyses the current literature available for these cases and summarizes the cause and different available methods of treatment.     

The benefits of secondary interventions in patients with failing or failed pedal bypass grafts.

BACKGROUND: Autogenous bypass grafts to pedal arteries have successfully salvaged limbs and restored function in patients with critical ischemia. The benefits of secondary interventions to save failing or already failed grafts remains uncertain. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of consecutive pedal bypasses performed between 1987 and 1998. Patency and limb salvage by life-table analysis and variables affecting outcome were compared with the log-rank test. RESULTS: Two hundred thirteen patients, 144 males, 69 females (mean age 68 years, range 30 to 91) underwent pedal bypass grafting in 228 limbs using autogenous vein grafts (nonreversed saphenous vein, n = 190; reversed, n = 15; composite, n = 23). One-hundred fifty-seven patients were diabetic, 34 had renal insufficiency (serum creatinine >2.0), and 14 were on dialysis. Gangrene or ulceration were present in 224 patients, rest pain in 24. Cumulative primary and secondary patency rates were 57% and 67% at 5 years. Limb salvage was 78% at 5 years. Secondary interventions in 46 patients included patch angioplasty/surgical revision (n = 28), thrombectomy (n = 15), thrombolysis (n = 11), and balloon angioplasty (n = 6). Patency in 19 of 26 (73%) failed grafts and in 19 of 20 (95%) failing grafts could be restored initially. Cumulative 2-year patency and limb salvage rates following reinterventions were 36% and 58%, respectively. Patency rates and limb salvage for failed grafts (7%, 44%) were significantly worse than those for failing grafts (81%, 77%; P <0.0001, P <0.05, respectively). All patients with renal insufficiency who underwent reinterventions for failed or failing grafts required major amputation within 1 year (P <0.0001 versus those without renal insufficiency). CONCLUSION: Autogenous pedal bypass grafts are durable operations with excellent long-term patency and limb salvage rates. Revision of failing grafts has been effective using both endovascular and surgical techniques. Failed grafts have poor long-term patency and moderate limb salvage rates, and our data do not justify secondary procedures to attempt to save failed grafts in patients with renal insufficiency.