The Lisfranc Amputation: A More Reliable Level of Amputation With Proper Intraoperative Tendon Balancing

Bone and soft tissue reconstruction with tendon balance in severe foot trauma

In severe foot trauma, it is difficult to determine the level of amputation when the crush injury is severe. We report a case of amputation near Lisfranc that achieved forefoot amputation-like results by using bone and soft tissue reconstruction while considering tendon balance. The patient was a 40-year-old male. The patient's left leg was caught in a garbage truck and sustained a crush injury. The second to fifth metatarsals were amputated at the diaphysis, and a high degree of instability of the Lisfranc joint was observed. A high degree of contamination was detected in the patient's wound, and the second to fifth toes were amputated at the Lisfranc joint during the initial treatment. The ends of the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior and peroneus longus were preserved. On day 5 in the hospital, Lisfranc joint fixation of the hallux, amputation of the first metatarsal and reconstruction of the peroneus brevis were performed. On day 13, extensor hallucis longus tendon transfer and free anterolateral thigh flap were performed. On day 80, the patient was able to walk in regular shoes or non-orthopedic shoes. One year after reconstructive surgery, the patient had an average SAFE-Q score of 86.2 and mild varus deformity of the foot remained. In cases of severe foot trauma, the aim of reconstruction should be partial forefoot amputation whenever possible.

A Comparative Analysis of Functional and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Lisfranc and Chopart Amputations in High-Risk Limb Salvage Patients

Midfoot amputations provide an opportunity for limb salvage through preservation of a weightbearing limb. However, the longevity of midfoot amputations is threatened by restrictions in surface area and risks of skin breakdown. To better inform decisions surrounding the level of amputation, we sought to compare outcomes of high-risk individuals who underwent Lisfranc or Chopart amputations. A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed from November 2013 to September 2022 of adult patients who underwent Lisfranc or Chopart amputations. Patients were stratified into cohorts based on the amputation type. Outcomes included postoperative rates of re-amputation, functional status, mortality and patient-reported outcome measures in the form of Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores. Sixty-six patients were identified; of which, 45 underwent Lisfranc amputation, and 21 underwent Chopart amputation. Median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 7, signifying a substantial comorbidity burden. By median follow-up of 14 (Interquartile range: 28) months, 31 patients (36%) progressed to higher-level amputation, and most patients were ambulatory (n = 38, 58%). Overall rates of re-amputation, ambulatory status, and mortality were comparable between groups. Re-amputation to another midfoot amputation was more common among the Lisfranc cohort (n = 16, 36% vs n = 1, 5%), whereas re-amputation to BKA was more prevalent among the Chopart cohort (Chopart: n = 7, 33% vs Lisfranc: n = 7, 16%; p = .011). Average Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores were similar between groups and corresponded to a maximal function of 48%. Lisfranc and Chopart amputations have the potential to be efficacious limb salvage options in high-risk patient populations in conjunction with intraoperative biomechanical optimization and optimal preoperative patient selection.

Mid- and Hindfoot Amputations in Diabetic Patients

Several surgical options exist to avoid or at least to delay a below-the-knee amputation (BKA). These are the so-called mid- or hindfoot amputations. They are a valuable treatment option in order to maintain the ability to ambulate without major auxiliary means (eg, a prosthesis). Hence, these amputations allow the patients to maintain certain autonomy. The acceptance of these amputations is significantly higher than a BKA, as the body image is less disturbed. The complication rate in hindfoot amputations in diabetic patients is high due to the comorbidities, in particular peripheral arterial disease and polyneuropathy.

Foot Osteomyelitis Location and Rates of Primary or Secondary Major Amputations in Patients With Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) often leads to amputations in the lower extremity. Data on the influence of the initial anatomical DFO localization on ultimate major amputation are limited.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, 583 amputation episodes in 344 patients (78 females, 266 males) were analyzed. All received a form of amputation in combination with antibiotic therapy. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with the primary outcome "major amputation" defined as an amputation above the ankle joint was performed. The association of risk factors including location of DFO, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy was analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 583 episodes, DFO was located in the forefoot in 512 (87.8%), in the midfoot in 43 (7.4%), and in the hindfoot in 28 episodes (4.8%). Overall, 53 of 63 (84.1%) major amputations were performed because of DFO in the setting of peripheral artery disease as primary indication. Overall, limb loss occurred in 6.1% (31/512) of forefoot, 20.9% (9/43) of midfoot, and 46.4% (13/28) of hindfoot DFO. Among these, 22 (41.5%) were performed as the primary treatment, whereas 31 (58.5%) followed previously failed minor amputations. Among this latter group of secondary major amputations, the DFO was localized to the forefoot in 23 of 583 (3.9%), the midfoot in 4 of 583 (0.7%) and the hindfoot in 4 of 583 (0.7%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, initial hindfoot localization was a significant factor (P < .05), whereas peripheral artery disease, smoking, and a midfoot DFO were not found to be risk factors.

CONCLUSION

In our retrospective series, the frequency of limb loss in DFO increased with more proximal initial foot DFO lesions, with almost half of patients losing their limbs with a hindfoot DFO.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Reconstructive Amputations of the Foot

In the diabetic and peripheral vascular disease population there is a high risk of further amputation following a primary amputation. Amputation surgery is often approached negating the biomechanics of the lower extremity leading to complications or additional surgery. Implementing appropriate tendon balancing of stump and applying orthoplastic techniques will improve outcomes. This article introduces the basic techniques to a wider audience of foot and ankle surgeons. Specifically, this article is intended to be a descriptive guide for the use of tendon balancing and intrinsic muscle advancements in the various levels of foot amputations.