INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is commonly used to treat patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI). This study aimed to examine the mortality and functional outcomes of patients with CLTI who predominantly had diabetes mellitus in a multi-ethnic Asian population in Singapore. METHODS: Patients with CLTI who underwent PTA between January 2015 and March 2017 at the Vascular Unit at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, were studied. Primary outcome measures were 30-day unplanned readmission, two-year major lower extremity amputation (LEA), mortality rates, and ambulation status at one, six and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 221 procedures were performed on 207 patients, of whom 184 (88.9%) were diabetics. The one-, six- and 12-month mortality rate was 7.7%, 16.4% and 21.7%, respectively. The two-year LEA rate was 30.0%. At six and 12 months, only 96 (46.4%) and 93 (44.9%) patients were ambulant, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative ambulatory status, haemoglobin, Wound Ischaemia and foot Infection (WIfI) score, and end-stage renal failure (ESRF) were independent predictors of one-year ambulatory status. Predictors of mortality at one, six and 12 months were ESRF, preoperative albumin level, impaired functional status and employment status. CONCLUSION PTA for CLTI was associated with low one-year mortality and two-year LEA rates but did not significantly improve ambulation status. ESRF and hypoalbuminaemia were independent predictors of mortality. ESRF/CKD and WIfI score were independent predictors of loss of ambulation at six months and one year. We need better risk stratification for patients with CLTI to decide between initial revascularisation and an immediate LEA policy.
Amputation ; Chronic Disease ; Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia ; Humans ; Ischemia/surgery* ; Limb Salvage/methods* ; Lower Extremity/surgery* ; Peripheral Arterial Disease/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; Treatment Outcome

Amputation ; Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia ; Fibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Limb Salvage ; Peripheral Arterial Disease ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; Treatment Outcome

Shark attacks are rare unique pathological processes. Some of them represent devastating injuries with a high morbidity and significant mortality. Related published articles are limited. The increased human interaction within the environment of sharks is the cause of rising incidence of such attacks. This study reported a case of level 4 shark injuries (shark-induced trauma scale) in a 33-year-old male patient, who presented with an extensive injury of the right lower limb with the characteristic features of shark bite. At admission the patient was in a state of shock with profuse bleeding that was controlled by tourniquet. The patient was resuscitated according to the advanced trauma life support. Clinical examination showed hard signs of vascular injury with absent pedal pulse, associated neurological deficits and severance at the knee joint. Prompt vascular intervention after resuscitation was performed to manage the major vascular injuries, together with proper washout and debridement of all the necrotic tissues under strong antibiotic coverage to prevent infection. After that, the patient underwent sequenced plastic, orthopedic, and neurological interventions. Strict follow-up was conducted, which showed that the patient was saved and achieved a functioning limb. This study aims to highlight the management of level 4 shark injuries, which are considered serious and challenging with a high fatality rate and a great risk of amputation due to the associated major vascular injuries. Immediate well organized management plan is crucial. Prompt resuscitation and surgical intervention by a highly-skilled medical team are required to improve the chance of patient survival and limb salvage.
Adult ; Animals ; Bites and Stings/complications* ; Humans ; Limb Salvage ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Sharks ; Vascular System Injuries/surgery*

PURPOSE: Mangled injury is defined as severe injury, including three or more tissues such as bones, nerves, vessels, muscles, and tendons in the upper or lower extremities. The choice of treatment results in different cosmetic and functional outcomes for mangled injury. In this study, we estimated patients' quality of life after treatment with the future intention of having patients make proper decisions at the time of injury. METHODS: Twenty patients were treated at Asan Medical Center from January, 2009 to November, 2011, and 11 patients were included who agreed with the questionnaire. We used 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) for estimating quality of life after treatments. RESULTS: Subjective satisfaction of cosmetic and functional aspects was higher in the reconstruction group than in the amputation group. However, in the estimation of specified satisfaction using SF-36, the amputation group was more satisfied than the reconstruction group. CONCLUSION: Among the many treatment considerations at the time of injury, expected cosmetic and functional outcomes were important parts determining the decision. In our study, the amputation group showed a better satisfaction level. This result could help patients make more appropriate decisions in the case of mangled injury.
Amputation ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Intention ; Limb Salvage ; Lower Extremity ; Muscles ; Quality of Life ; Tendons

PURPOSE: Tumor infiltration around the knee joint or skip metastasis, repeated infection sequelae after tumor prosthesis implantation, regional recurrence, and mechanical failure of the megaprosthesis might require combined distal femur and proximal tibia replacement (CFTR). Among the aforementioned situations, there are few reports on the indication, complications, and implant survival of CFTR in temporarily arthrodesed patients who had a massive bony defect on either side of the knee joint to control infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four CFTR patients were reviewed retrospectively and 13 temporary arthrodesed cases switched to CFTR were extracted. All 13 cases had undergone a massive bony resection on either side of the knee joint and temporary arthrodesis state to control the repeated infection. This paper describes the diagnosis, tumor location, number of operations until CFTR, duration from the index operation to CFTR, survival of CFTR, complications, and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. RESULTS: According to Kaplan-Meier plot, the 5- and 10-year survival of CFTR was 69.0%±12.8%, 46.0%±20.7%, respectively. Six (46.2%) of the 13 cases had major complications. Three cases underwent removal of the prosthesis and were converted to arthrodesis due to infection. Two cases underwent partial change of the implant due to loosening and periprosthetic fracture. The remaining case with a deep infection was resolved after extensive debridement. At the final follow-up, the average MSTS score of 10 cases with CFTR was 24.6 (21–27). In contrast, the MSTS score of 3 arthrodesis cases with failed CFTR was 12.3 (12–13). The average range of motion of the 10 CFTR cases was 67° (0°–100°). The mean extension lag of 10 cases was 48° (20°–80°). CONCLUSION: Although the complication rates is substantial, conversion of an arthrodesed knee to a mobile joint using CFTR in a patient who had a massive bony defect on either side of the knee joint to control infection should be considered. The patient's functional outcome was different from the arthrodesed one. For successful conversion to a mobile joint, thorough the eradication of scar tissue and creating sufficient space for the tumor prosthesis to flex the knee joint up to 60° to 70° without soft tissue tension.
Arthrodesis ; Cicatrix ; Debridement ; Diagnosis ; Extremities ; Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee Joint ; Knee ; Limb Salvage ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Osteosarcoma ; Periprosthetic Fractures ; Prostheses and Implants ; Prosthesis Implantation ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Tibia

After diagnosis of peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients, revascularization can be considered in those who are not improved after guideline-directed medical therapy. Recently, more aggressive approaches with interventional treatment have been recommended. Before revascularization therapy, it is important to differentiate patients with claudication or critical limb ischemia, and the final goal and treatment modality of interventional treatments should be based on clinical diagnosis. For patients with claudication, the goal of revascularization is improvement of functional capacity or quality of life; however, in more severe forms of critical limb ischemia, the purpose of revascularization is limb salvage and ultimately saving patient's life. With improvement of vascular interventions, interventional treatment for peripheral artery disease is preferred, although surgical treatment might show better results than intervention in some cases.
Diabetes Mellitus ; Diagnosis ; Extremities ; Humans ; Ischemia ; Limb Salvage ; Peripheral Arterial Disease ; Quality of Life

PURPOSE: The clinical characteristics and results of femoropopliteal artery injury (FPAI) remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes and risk factors of limb loss in patients treated for FPAI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from a database of patients who underwent revascularization for an FPAI at a single institution between January 2013 and December 2017. We reviewed and analyzed the characteristics, postoperative results, and factors that influence amputation rates. RESULTS: Twenty-four femoropopliteal arterial reconstructions in 24 patients were included in this study. Among the patients were 20 (83.3%) male with a first-quartile age of 28 years and a third-quartile age of 45 years (range, 15–68 years). The mean injury severity score (ISS) was 16 (range, 4–55), and 5 patients (20.8%) had ISSs of >20 points. The mean mangled extremity severity score (MESS) was 3.8 (range, 1–11), and 8 patients (33.3%) had MESSs of >5 points. In terms of arterial reconstruction methods, autogenous saphenous vein grafting, vein patching, and primary closure were performed in 9 patients (37.5%), 4 patients (16.7%), and 11 patients (45.8%), respectively. Despite arterial reconstruction, 5 patients (20.8%) underwent above-knee amputation. ISSs of >20, MESSs of >7, and orthopedic fixation were statistically significant factors associated with amputation. CONCLUSION: In cases of FPAI with ISSs of >20, MESSs of >7, and orthopedic fixation, amputations should be considered. We were also careful to attempt limb salvage in such cases.
Amputation ; Amputation, Traumatic ; Arteries ; Extremities ; Femoral Artery ; Humans ; Injury Severity Score ; Limb Salvage ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Orthopedics ; Popliteal Artery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Saphenous Vein ; Transplants ; Vascular System Injuries ; Veins

Ameloblastoma in the tibia is rare. Limb reconstruction after tumor resection is challenging in terms of selection of the operative method. Here, we report a case of radical resection of an ameloblastoma in the mid-distal tibia combined with limb salvage using a three-dimensional (3D)-printed prosthesis replacement, with 1-year follow-up results. After receiving local institutional review board approval, a titanium alloy prosthesis was designed using a computer and manufactured with 3D-printing technology. During the operation, the stem of the prosthesis was inserted closely into the proximal tibial medullary cavity. Then, the metal ankle mortise and the talus were compacted closely. Radiographic results at 1-year follow up showed that the prosthesis was well placed, and no loosening was observed. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) 93 functional score was 26 points, and the functional recovery percentage was 86.7%. Computer-assisted 3D-printing technology allowed for more volume and structural compatibility of the prosthesis, thereby ensuring a smooth operation and initial prosthetic stabilization. During the follow up, the presence of bone ingrowths on the porous surface of some segments of the prosthesis suggested good outcomes for long-term biological integration between the prosthesis and host bone.
Alloys ; Ameloblastoma ; Ankle ; Ethics Committees, Research ; Extremities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Limb Salvage ; Methods ; Prostheses and Implants ; Talus ; Tibia ; Titanium

Peripheral arterial disease is one part of systematic atherosclerosis, becoming a heavy burden of human health. Patients in end stage of peripheral arterial disease manifest critical limb ischemia with severe rest pain and refractory ulcer. Surgical revascularization is the optimal option for patients with critical limb ischemia to avoid major amputation and improve quality of life. However, some of them contraindicate surgical revascularizations owing to coexisting morbidities. Spinal cord stimulation is reported to be effective and minimally invasive in pain relief and limb salvage for patients with limb ischemia. Here, we reported one case with chronic critical limb ischemia and gangrene of foot who underwent spinal cord stimulation, which was, as we knew, the first case in China. He was diagnosed with Burger disease and accompanied with history of stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Castleman's disease. It showed totally occlusive lesions of external iliac and femoropopliteal artery and no outflows below the knee in the computed tomography angiography. Given the complexity of lesions and weakness of the patient, spinal cord stimulation was indicated for control of rest pain and limb salvage. As specified, we implanted the temporary neurostimulator as the first step. After 2 weeks from temporary neurostimulator implantation, the patient achieved significant relief in intensity of pain, and acquired 20% improvement of transcutaneous oxygen pressure. The satisfactory results indicated probable effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation, thus we performed the permanent neurostimulator implantation 1 month later. During 2 months of follow-up, the patients stabilized at Fountain III with pain relief with one kind of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In our case, we confirmed the significant validity of spinal cord stimulation for pain control and consequent improvement of quality of life in non-reconstructable chronic critical limb ischemia. Furthermore, we reviewed that a number of published studies suggested that spinal cord stimulation be a reasonable option for patients with critical rest pain, especially who contraindicated surgical revascularization. The application of spinal cord stimulation in pain relief for non-reconstructable chronic critical limb ischemia was approved by related guidelines released by European Society of Cardiology and Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus. Further investigations are required for assessing the long-term outcome in limb salvage.
China ; Humans ; Ischemia ; Leg ; Limb Salvage ; Male ; Quality of Life ; Spinal Cord ; Spinal Cord Stimulation ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the impact of pedal arch quality on tissue loss and time to healing in diabetic patients with foot wounds undergoing infrainguinal endovascular revascularization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2014 and June 2015, 137 consecutive diabetic patients with foot wounds underwent infrainguinal endovascular revascularization (femoro-popliteal or below-the-knee, arteries). Postprocedural angiography of the foot was used to divide the patients into the following three groups according to the pedal arch status: complete pedal arch (CPA), incomplete pedal arch (IPA), and absent pedal arch (APA). Time to healing and estimated 1-year outcomes in terms of freedom from minor amputation, limb salvage, and survival were evaluated and compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Postprocedural angiography showed the presence of a CPA in 42 patients (30.7%), IPA in 60 patients (43.8%), and APA in 35 patients (25.5%). Healing within 3 months from the procedure was achieved in 21 patients with CPA (50%), 17 patients with IPA (28.3%), and in 7 patients with APA (20%) (p = 0.01). There was a significant difference in terms of 1-year freedom from minor amputation among the three groups (CPA 84.1% vs. IPA 82.4% vs. APA 48.9%, p = 0.001). Estimated 1-year limb salvage was significantly better in patients with CPA (CPA 100% vs. IPA 93.8% vs. APA 70.1%, p < 0.001). Estimated 1-year survival was significantly better in patients with CPA (CPA 90% vs. IPA 80.8% vs. APA 62.7%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Pedal arch status has a positive impact on time to healing, limb salvage, and survival in diabetic patients with foot wounds undergoing infrainguinal endovascular revascularization.
Amputation ; Angiography ; Diabetic Foot ; Foot ; Freedom ; Humans ; Limb Salvage ; Retrospective Studies ; Tibial Arteries ; Wounds and Injuries