Meta-analysis of prognostic factors for amputation following surgical repair of lower extremity vascular trauma

Evaluation, Surgical Management and Outcome of Traumatic Extremity Vascular Injuries: A 5-year Level-1 Trauma Centres Experience

Objective: We aim to share our experience regarding the surgical management and outcome of extremity vascular trauma in level-1 trauma centres in Pakistan.

Patients and methods: All consecutive patients with traumatic extremity vascular injury (TEVI) fulfilling the inclusion criteria; between June 2012 and June 2017 were included. The demographics, clinical presentation, management, and outcome measures were recorded.

Results: The study included 81 patients. The mean age±standard deviation was 28.6±14.5 years and 81.5% (n=66) of the patients were males. Blunt TEVI was found in 65.4% (n=53) of the cases. Partial laceration was the most common type of arterial injury (64.2%, n=52) and autologous interposition venous grafting was the most common repair performed (60.5%, n=49). Fasciotomy was performed in 67.9% (n=55) of the patients. The limb salvage rate was 82.7%. The amputation rate was higher in the blunt trauma group when compared with that of the penetrating trauma group. The length of the intensive care unit stay and the use of polytetrafluoroethylene as interposition graft were two independent predictors of limb loss. The mortality rate in this series was 8.6%.

Conclusion: Blunt TEVI is associated with higher morbidity and limb loss. The use of synthetic graft should be discouraged. The liberal use of autologous interposition venous graft and the judicious use of fasciotomies are helpful to achieve favorable outcomes.

Contemporary Management and Outcome After Lower Extremity Fasciotomy in Non-Trauma-Related Vascular Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a challenging and recognized complication to vascular surgery revascularization. The aim of this study was to investigate the current epidemiology, management, and early outcomes of fasciotomy in vascular surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing lower extremity fasciotomy at a single university center between January 2008 and December 2014. Patient demographics, operative techniques, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

The cohort (n = 113 limbs; 107 patients; 48% women; mean age was 74 (12) years [range, 50-97 years]) included 81 (72%) limbs undergoing revascularization for acute limb ischemia, 7 (6.2%) limbs related to acute aortic disease, and 23 (20%) limbs undergoing elective vascular surgery. Five patients underwent bilateral lower extremity fasciotomy. In all, 64 (57%) limbs had signs of ACS and underwent a therapeutic fasciotomy, while 49 (43%) fasciotomies were prophylactic. There were 20 (18%) fasciotomies performed after endovascular interventions. A 4-compartment fasciotomy was performed in 82% (n = 93) of limbs with a double incision technique. Split thickness skin graft was required in 11% (12/112) and vacuum-assisted closure treatment in 11% (12/111). The mean length of stay in hospital was 11 (9) days. Most common complication was lower extremity nerve deficit 32% (33/104) followed by wound infection 30% (32/108). At 30-day follow-up, amputation rate was 13% (14/107 limbs) and mortality 23% (25/107 patients). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, prophylactic fasciotomy was associated with amputation (odds ratio: 28.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.96-425; P = .014).

CONCLUSION

Acute compartment syndrome is primarily related to acute ischemic conditions but occurs after both aortic or elective vascular procedures and endovascular treatments. There are significant complications related to lower extremity fasciotomy in vascular surgery.

Management of knee dislocation prior to ligament reconstruction: What is the current evidence? Update of a universal treatment algorithm

Traumatic knee dislocation is a rare but potentially limb-threatening injury. Thus proper initial diagnosis and treatment up to final ligament reconstruction are extremely important and a precondition to successful outcomes. Reports suggest that evidence-based systematic approaches lead to better results. Because of the complexity of this injury and the inhomogeneity of related literature, there are still various controversies and knowledge gaps regarding decision-making and step-sequencing in the treatment of acute multi-ligament knee injuries and knee dislocations. The use of ankle-brachial index, routine or selective angiography, braces, joint-spanning or dynamic external fixation, and the necessity of initial ligament re-fixation during acute surgery constitutes current topics of a scholarly debate. The aim of this article was to provide a comprehensive literature review bringing light into some important aspects about the initial treatment of knee dislocation (vascular injury, neural injury, immobilization techniques) and finally develop an accurate data-based universal algorithm, enabling attending physicians to become more acquainted with the management of acute knee dislocation.

Management of war-related vascular wounds in French role 3 hospital during the Afghan campaign

OBJECTIVES

To describe the management of war-related vascular injuries in the Kabul French military hospital.

METHODS

From January 2009 to April 2013, in the Kabul French military hospital, we prospectively included all patients presenting with war-related vascular injuries. We collected the following data: site, type, and mechanism of vascular injury, associated trauma, type of vascular repair, amputation rate and complications.

RESULTS

Out of the 922 soldiers admitted for emergency surgical care, we recorded 45 (5%) patients presenting with vascular injuries: 30 (67%) gunshot-related, 11 (24%) explosive device-related, and 4 (9%) due to road traffic accident. The majority of injuries (93%) involved limbs. Vascular injuries were associated with fractures in 71% of cases. Twelve (26.7%) had an early amputation performed before evacuation. Twenty (44.4%) patients underwent fasciotomy and three (6.6%) sustained a compartment syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

This was the first French reported series of war-related vascular injuries during the last decade's major conflicts. The majority of injuries occurred in the limbs. Autologous vein graft remains the treatment of choice for arterial repair. Functional severity of these injuries justifies specific training for military surgeons.

Contemporary outcomes of civilian lower extremity arterial trauma

OBJECTIVE

Lower extremity arterial injury may result in limb loss after blunt or penetrating trauma. This study examined outcomes of civilian lower extremity arterial trauma and predictors of delayed amputation.

METHODS

The records of patients presenting to a major level I trauma center from 2004 to 2014 with infrainguinal arterial injury were identified from a prospective institutional trauma registry, and outcomes were reviewed. Standard statistical methods were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 149 patients (86% male; mean age, 33 ± 14 years,). Of these, 46% presented with blunt trauma: 19 (13%) had common femoral artery, 26 (17%) superficial femoral artery, 50 (33%) popliteal, and 54 (36%) tibial injury. Seven patients underwent primary amputation; of the remainder, 21 (15%) underwent ligation, 85 (59%) revascularization (80% bypass grafting, 20% primary repair), and the rest were observed. Delayed amputation was eventually required in 24 patients (17%): 20 (83%) were due to irreversible ischemia or extensive musculoskeletal damage, despite having adequate perfusion. Delayed amputation rates were 26% for popliteal, 20% for tibial, and 4.4% for common/superficial femoral artery injury. The delayed amputation group had significantly more (P < .05) blunt trauma (79% vs 30%), popliteal injury (46% vs 27%), compound fracture/dislocation (75% vs 33%), bypass graft (63% vs 43%), and fasciotomy (75% vs 43%), and a higher mangled extremity severity score (6.1 ± 1.8 vs 4.3 ± 1.6). Predictors of delayed amputation included younger age, higher injury severity score, popliteal or multiple tibial injury, blunt trauma, and pulseless examination on presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Individualized decision making based on age, mechanism, pulseless presentation, extent of musculoskeletal trauma, and location of injury should guide the intensity of revascularization strategies after extremity arterial trauma. Although patients presenting with vascular trauma in the setting of multiple negative prognostic factors should not be denied revascularization, expectations for limb salvage in the short-term and long-term periods should be carefully outlined.

Clinical and functional outcomes of acute lower extremity compartment syndrome at a Major Trauma Hospital

Background:

Acute lower extremity compartment syndrome (CS) is a condition that untreated causes irreversible nerve and muscle ischemia. Treatment by decompression fasciotomy without delay prevents permanent disability. The use of intracompartmental pressure (iCP) measurement in uncertain situations aids in diagnosis of severe leg pain. As an infrequent complication of lower extremity trauma, consequences of CS include chronic pain, nerve injury, and contractures. The purpose of this study was to observe the clinical and functional outcomes for patients with lower extremity CS after fasciotomy.

Methods:

Retrospective chart analysis for patients with a discharge diagnosis of CS was performed. Physical demographics, employment status, activity at time of injury, injury severity score, fracture types, pain scores, hours to fasciotomy, iCP, serum creatine kinase levels, wound treatment regimen, length of hospital stay, and discharge facility were collected. Lower extremity neurologic examination, pain scores, orthopedic complications, and employment status at 30 days and 12 months after discharge were noted.

Results:

One hundred twenty-four patients were enrolled in this study. One hundred and eight patients were assessed at 12 months. Eighty-one percent were male. Motorized vehicles caused 51% of injuries in males. Forty-one percent of injuries were tibia fractures. Acute kidney injury occurred in 2.4%. Mean peak serum creatine kinase levels were 58,600 units/ml. Gauze dressing was used in 78.9% of nonfracture patients and negative pressure wound vacuum therapy in 78.2% of fracture patients. About 21.6% of patients with CS had prior surgery. Nearly 12.9% of patients required leg amputation. Around 81.8% of amputees were male. Sixty-seven percent of amputees had associated vascular injuries. Foot numbness occurred in 20.5% of patients and drop foot palsy in 18.2%. Osteomyelitis developed in 10.2% of patients and fracture nonunion in 6.8%. About 14.7% of patients underwent further orthopedic surgery. At long-term follow-up, 10.2% of patients reported moderate lower extremity pain and 69.2% had returned to work.

Conclusion:

Escalation in leg pain and changes in sensation are the cardinal signs for CS rather than reliance on assessing for firm compartments and pressures. The severity of nerve injury worsens with the delay in performing fasciotomy. Standardized diagnostic protocols and wound treatment strategies will result in improved outcomes from this complication.