Modified skew-flap below-knee amputation

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2007 Mar;36(3):123-6.

Abstract

Between 1999 and 2001, 35 consecutive patients with diabetes (mean age, 59.4 years) were treated prospectively with a modified skew-flap below-knee amputation. The technique, results, and follow-up are described. By a mean follow-up of 3.5 years, 3 patients required below-knee amputation of the opposite extremity, 4 expired, and 28 were ambulating with a below-knee prosthesis. The modification has several advantages: A tibialis anterior muscle cushion on the distal end of the tibia prevents bone protrusion; anterior skin flaps made by the initial linear anterior incision prevent tension at the suture line; and oblique myocutaneous flaps avoid muscle trimming and prevent shearing of fascial plexuses at closure, thus improving wound healing.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amputation Stumps / blood supply*
  • Amputation, Surgical / methods*
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / etiology
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / surgery
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / complications
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot / pathology
  • Gangrene / etiology
  • Gangrene / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Knee
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / surgery
  • Prospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Tibia / surgery*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome