Extremitätenerhalt durch tibiokalkaneare Arthrodese nach Pirogoff

Modifications of the pirogoff amputation technique in adults: A retrospective analysis of 123 cases

BACKGROUND

The Pirogoff amputation (1854) was initially developed to provide full-weight-bearing stumps and therefore allow a short ambulation without prosthesis. Modifications of the original technique including Boyd (1939) and the "Modified Pirogoff" were developed, which further reduced complications and improved the outcome. However, the current evidence regarding the techniques is scarce. The functional outcome, survivorship and complication rates are unknown. It was the purpose of this study to expand the knowledge with a retrospective case series and ultimately summarize and analyze the data with a systematic review.

METHODS

A retrospective study of the Boyd procedures from our institution between 1999 and 2018 was performed. Outcome was determined based on the PLUS-M Score (Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility). Survivorship (absence of more proximal amputation), postoperative leg-length discrepancy, time to early fusion and time to mobilization were also evaluated. Finally, in the second part of the study, the results were integrated in a systematic review, which followed the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of all the studies were then assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist (JBI CAC).

RESULTS

A total of 123 procedures including 115 patients, with an average follow-up of 45 months (range, 10-300 months) could be included. A very good or good function could be achieved in 85 (69%) patients. The mean survivorship was 82.1% (range 46%-100%). In four studies, including our series, all patients remained with a functional stump at the latest follow-up. The calculated average leg-length discrepancy was 2.5 cm.

CONCLUSION

The "Modified Pirogoff" and Boyd amputation techniques can achieve favourable long-term functional outcome in cases of irreparable foot conditions such as osteomyelitis or trauma. Patency of the posterior tibial artery is an indispensable condition to elect for these surgical techniques. Presence of neuropathy does not preclude this amputation level. With proper patient selection, a maximal survivorship of the stump with treatable minor complications can be achieved.Level of Evidence: IV.

Pirogoff amputation for a bilateral traumatic lower-extremity amputee: indication and technique

Although only a small portion of all lower-extremity amputations in the United States are of traumatic origin, almost half of all living amputees have sustained traumatic amputations. This particular epidemiology is explained by the younger age, and thus longer life expectancy, of traumatic amputees. In this group especially, restoration and lifelong maintenance of ambulation and mobility is essential. The authors present the case of a bilateral traumatic lower-leg amputee whose management included a Pirogoff amputation. Although this amputation technique is not widely used, the authors believe it greatly facilitated stump and soft tissue management in this case and allowed for improved mobility. The indication for and technique of Pirogoff amputation are described, and a brief overview of amputation techniques in the foot is provided.

Ilizarov external frame technique for pirogoff amputations with ankle disarticulation and tibiocalcaneal fusion

BACKGROUND

The high rates of wound failure, persisting infection, and nonunion of the tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis are the main reasons why the Pirogoff ankle disarticulation is rarely used for limb salvage. Use of the Ilizarov external frame has increased our fusion rate. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with the use of the Ilizarov external frame as a technique for Pirogoff amputations with ankle disarticulation and tibiocalcaneal fusion.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients (median age, 57.4 years; range, 29-76 years) underwent a Pirogoff amputation with Ilizarov external frame use between January 2004 and June 2011. The most common indications were gangrene with uncontrollable infection due to Charcot arthropathy or chronic osteomyelitis. Four patients had sustained crush injuries of the foot. All patients were clinically and radiographically followed for a minimum of 12 months. Additionally, 15 patients were evaluated using the Taniguchi rating scale for Pirogoff amputations after a mean follow-up of 44.9 months (range, 12-86 months).

RESULTS

In 21 patients (87.5%), a well-healed Pirogoff stump was achieved after a mean external fixation time of 18.1 weeks (range, 12.7-26.6 weeks). Impaired vascular perfusion was found to be the limiting factor for successful wound healing and an overall successful Pirogoff amputation. According to the Taniguchi scale, 67% of the patients achieved good or excellent functional results. Fair (27%) and poor (6%) results were observed only in the diabetic patients.

CONCLUSION

Using the Ilizarov external frame allowed safe fixation and a high success rate, even in neuropathic feet. The frame allowed for immediate weight-bearing and soft tissue control; however, frame-associated complications were common and could result in revision surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.