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Introduction: Although major amputations can often be avoided due to evolving methods of endovascular and surgical revascularizations techniques, in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, it is still necessary in some cases. Aim of this study was the detection of wound healing disorders through intraoperative microcirculation measurements in major limb amputations. Materials and methods: In this single-center clinical study, patients with an indication for major amputation were enrolled prospectively. Cause of amputation, patients' comorbidities including cardiovascular risk profile were assessed. Macrocirculation, as well as microcirculation were assessed. Microcirculation measurements were performed by fluorescence angiography with the administration of indocyanine green. A preoperative measurement was obtained at the amputation level, followed by three additional measurements of the amputation stump postoperatively. Wound healing was monitored and correlated with the microcirculatory findings, based on the perfusion parameters ingress and ingress rate, calculated in the indocyanine green fluorescence video sequences of the amputation stumps. Results: Forty-five patients were enrolled, including 19 (42%) below-the-knee amputations and 26 (58%) above-the-knee amputations. When considering the need for revision, a change in the microperfusion parameters was observed postoperatively. The mean value for ingress was significantly lower directly postoperatively in stumps requiring revisions (5 ± 0 A.U. versus 40.5 ± 42.5 A.U., p < 0.001). The mean value of ingress rate behaved similarly (0.15 ± 0.07 A.U./s versus 2.8 ± 5.0 A.U./s, p = 0.005). The evaluation of indocyanine green measurements when wound healing disorders occurred also showed nonsignificant differences in the mean values. Conclusion: Fluorescence angiography after major lower limb amputations appears to be an option of depicting microperfusion. Especially, the early postoperative detection of reduced perfusion can indicate a subsequent need for revision. Therefore, this method could possibly serve as a tool for intraoperative quality control after major limb amputation.

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BACKGROUND: Lower extremity amputation (LEA) is a surgical procedure performed to remove either a part or the entire lower limb due to medical conditions such as trauma, infection, peripheral vascular disease, or malignancy. The procedure is becoming increasingly common in Pakistan, with a bulk of patients presenting from rural areas in tertiary care centers. Understanding the indications, levels, and outcomes of LEA is essential for improving patient care and adopting preventive strategies, especially in developing countries. METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted at Dow University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Retrospective data of 384 patients who underwent non-traumatic lower extremity amputations between January 2016 and December 2020 was collected to include relevant history and characteristics, amputation indication and level, type of anesthesia used, and outcome within hospital stay. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The data is composed of a wide age range (18 to 91 years) of patients, including a male majority (76.3%, n = 293). The employment status of the patients was taken into consideration, with a reported high number of unemployed individuals (60.4%, n = 232). Diabetes mellitus (84.4%, n = 324) was a commonly reported past medical condition, followed by hypertension (4.4%, n = 17). Indications for amputation exceedingly recorded were diabetic foot ulcers (84.4%, n = 324), followed by infections (9.4%, n = 36) and peripheral arterial disease (3.6%, n = 14). The anesthetic approach that was observed most in these patients was regional anesthesia (74.7%, n = 287). Right-sided amputations (52.9%, n = 203) were dominant, with below-knee amputations leading by the level of amputation performed (42.5%, n = 163). Many patients delayed seeking treatment (71.6%, n = 275) and indicated denial of severity (18%, n = 69) as a reason for the delay. Regarding outcome, many patients were successfully discharged following treatment (85.9%, n = 330). CONCLUSION: Overall, LEAs are being frequently performed in developing countries, such as Pakistan, especially with a large population living with diabetes mellitus. The implications of this disease are reflected in this study population, with the majority of patients reporting delays in treatment due to reasons such as the unknown severity of the disease or financial burdens. The challenges faced by these individuals, especially in this country, can be tackled with widespread affordability and availability of care and education on early management.

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This case report highlights a rare yet severe complication of calcium gluconate extravasation, namely, compartment syndrome. We present the case of an 86-year-old female who developed compartment syndrome following an extravasation of intravenously administered calcium gluconate for the management of hyperkalemia. Initially, mild erythema and edema were observed at the site of extravasation, which eventually progressed to severe pain, a reduction in the joint range of motion due to increased compartment pressure. Despite undergoing a series of fasciotomies, the patient's condition did not improve, and extensive tissue necrosis and gangrene necessitated amputation. This case emphasizes that calcium gluconate extravasation can lead to life-threatening complications, such as compartment syndrome, underscoring the critical importance of employing proper infusion techniques.

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Objective We aim to compare the effects of pre-existing mood disorders and chronic kidney disease (CKD) on ambulation outcomes for patients who have undergone major lower extremity amputation (MLEA) while also stratifying by the presence of social factors. Methods  We performed a retrospective chart review of 700 patients admitted from 2014 to 2022 who underwent MLEA. We performed Chi-square tests and binomial logistic regression with p < 0.05 as our significance level. Results Mood disorder patients have higher rates of independent ambulation if they have familial support (p = 0.022), a listed primary care provider (PCP; p = 0.013), a six-month follow-up (p < 0.001), or a one-year follow-up (p < 0.001). Patients with a history of mood disorder have significantly decreased odds of prosthesis usage (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40-0.86) but have higher rates of prosthesis usage if they have familial support (p = 0.002), a PCP listed (p = 0.005), a six-month follow-up (p < 0.001), or a one-year follow-up (p < 0.001). CKD patients have significantly decreased odds of eventual independent ambulation (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49-0.97) but have significantly increased rates of independent ambulation if they have familial support (p =0.041) and six-month (p < 0.001) or one-year follow-up (p < 0.001). CKD patients only have significant changes in prosthesis usage with a six-month (p < 0.001) or one-year follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusions Pre-existing CKD and mood disorders are associated with decreased odds of independent ambulation and prosthesis usage, respectively. Social factors such as family support, a listed PCP, and timely follow-up are associated with markedly improved ambulatory outcomes for MLEA patients with mood disorders and CKD, with significantly improved prosthesis usage outcomes in only the mood disorder population.

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Severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) predicts greater mortality after major lower extremity amputation (MLEA), but it remains poorly understood whether this finding extends to patients with earlier stages of CKD. We assessed outcomes for patients with CKD in a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent MLEA at a large tertiary referral center from 2015 to 2021. We stratified 398 patients by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and conducted Chi-Square and survival analysis. Preoperative CKD diagnosis was associated with many comorbidities, less 1-year follow-up, and greater 1- and 5-year mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed worse 5-year survival for patients with any stage of CKD (62%) compared to patients without CKD (81%; P < .001). Greater 5-year mortality was independently predicted by moderate CKD (hazard ratio (HR) 2.37, P = .02) as well as severe CKD (HR 2.09, P = .005). These findings demonstrate the importance of identifying and treating CKD early preoperatively.

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Background The COVID-19 pandemic has a heavy burden on the approach of diabetic foot care worldwide. We aim to determine the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on patients with diabetic foot (DF). Materials and methods This population-based cohort study included all patients diagnosed with the diabetic foot from 2019-2020 (pre-lockdown) and 2020-2021 (post-lockdown) in a tertiary center of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results Among all the participants (n=358), a non-significant difference was found between amputation rate during and before the COVID-19 pandemic (P-value=0.0983). Also, it showed a significantly higher percentage of patients who had acute lower limb ischemia compared to those having it before the pandemic (P-value=0.029). Conclusions and relevance In conclusion, our study found that the COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with excess amputations along with mortality rate, as the management during the pandemic showed adequate diabetic foot care by improving the prevention methods through hospital protocol restrictions and facilitating access to virtual clinics.

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OBJECTIVE: Surgical site infection (SSI) after open lower extremity revascularization is a relatively common complication associated with increased hospital stays, graft infection, and in severe cases, graft loss. Although the short-term effects of SSI can be significant, it has not been considered a complication that increases major limb amputation. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of SSI with outcomes in patients undergoing surgical revascularization for peripheral arterial disease. METHODS: We analyzed nationwide Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) data from the infrainguinal bypass module from 2003 to 2017. The cohort included adults who underwent open lower extremity bypass for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease and had at least one follow-up record. Weighted Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to assess the association between SSI and 1-year mortality and major limb amputation. Inverse-probability of treatment weights were used to account for differences in demographics and patient characteristics and allow for 'adjusted' Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: The analysis included 21,639 patients, and 1155 (5%) had a reported SSI within 30 days of surgery. Patients with SSI were more likely be obese (41% vs 30%), but there were no other clinically relevant differences between demographics, comorbidities, and bypass details. After weighting, patients with SSI were almost twice as likely to undergo major amputation by 6 months (hazard ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-3.17). The association with SSI and increased amputation rates persisted at 1 year. The association of SSI on amputation was no different based on preoperative Rutherford class (P = .91). The association between SSI and 1-year mortality rate was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-1.46). CONCLUSIONS: SSI is more common in obese patients, and patients who develop an SSI are observed to have a significantly increased rate of limb amputation after open lower extremity revascularization.

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We report our experience with next-generation incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) applied after major limb amputation or amputation revision. In this high-risk patient population, the need for reliable post-operative soft tissue management is imperative. In both cases reported, healing was uncomplicated. Using the next generation iNPWT in this unique way optimizes the post-operative residual limb by improved incision healing, residual limb edema reduction, and reduced risk of surgical site infection (SSI). This is the first case report of its kind reporting a novel use of next-generation iNPWT, and it demonstrates a need to examine this particular use further.

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Introduction Despite all the advances in medicine and attempts to delay and prevent amputations, the number of amputations remains high. The state of South Carolina has one of the highest rates of major limb amputation in the country, with Florence and neighboring counties particularly affected. Education level has been associated with an increased number of amputations and worse outcomes post-amputation. The aim of this study was to investigate the education level among patients with major upper and lower limb amputation within the Florence and neighboring counties, which is a part of the Pee Dee region of the state of South Carolina. Materials and methods This is a retrospective chart review study conducted at the outpatient hospital-based Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic. All consecutive amputee patients visiting our outpatient amputee clinic from January 2018 to January 2019 and who met the study inclusion criteria were included in the study. The main outcome measure was the education level. Results Of the sample, 26% had below high school education, 33.8% had high school education, 14.2% had some college education, 19.7% had a college education, and 6.3% had an advanced college degree. Conclusions Patients with major limb amputation have a lower education level compared to the general population. Lower education level as a part of the broader and more complex socioeconomic status may be a possible barrier in the process of post-amputation rehabilitation and long-term care of patients with major limb amputation.

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Diabetic foot diseases which require surgical treatment consists of diabetic foot ulcer, infection and neuropathic arthropathy. Surgical procedures for diabetic foot ulcers and infections such as drainage, debridement, partial foot amputation and major limb amputation are most common procedures and arthodesis with or without deformity correction can be performed for specific diabetic neuropathic arthropathies. Underlying pathomechanism of diabetic foot disease includes diabetic peripheral neuropathy and vasculopathy. Treating physicians should be aware that concomitant complications of long-standing diabetic status such as cardiovascular and renal dysfunction should be addressed to treat intractable diabetic foot diseases successfully. However, with advent of adjuvant treatment which increases vascular supply on ischemic limb disease, proper surgical treatment on diabetic foot disease can prevent or delay major limb amputations, sustaining functional capability of diabetic patients.

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