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Martínez JGO, Lamberti EMB, Perea PRP, Avendaño AMR, Barrero MJN. Limb salvage versus amputation: Experience of a young patient at a university hospital. Trauma Case Rep 2024; 52:101062. [PMID: 38957172 PMCID: PMC11217748 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2024.101062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Decision-making regarding limb amputation represents a significant clinical challenge, especially when the initial evaluation does not coincide with the criteria established in scales used worldwide, as is the case of the MESS scale. This article presents the case of a 24-year-old female patient who was transferred to a university hospital after a road traffic accident with severe and large lesions in the left lower limb. Despite a poor initial prognosis and in-hospital complications, including multiple surgical procedures and foot drop, a favorable recovery was achieved with complete anatomical salvage of the limb at risk. The multidisciplinary approach and intensive rehabilitation were instrumental in achieving a satisfactory functional recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering factors beyond amputation scale scores, as well as the need for comprehensive care to improve outcomes in patients with complex extremity injuries.
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Farhat T, Moussally K, Nahouli H, Hamad SA, Qaraya KA, Abdul-Sater Z, El Sheikh WG, Jawad N, Al Sedawi K, Obaid M, AbuKhoussa H, Nyaruhirira I, Tamim H, Hettiaratchy S, Bull AMJ, Abu-Sittah G. The integration of ortho-plastic limb salvage teams in the humanitarian response to violence-related open tibial fractures: evaluating outcomes in the Gaza Strip. Confl Health 2024; 18:35. [PMID: 38658929 PMCID: PMC11040898 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-024-00596-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limb salvage by ortho-plastic teams is the standard protocol for treating open tibial fractures in high-income countries, but there's limited research on this in conflict settings like the Gaza Strip. This study assessed the clinical impact of gunshot-related open tibial fractures, compared patient management by orthopedic and ortho-plastic teams, and identified the risk factors for bone non-union in this context. METHODS A retrospective review of medical records was conducted on Gaza Strip patients with gunshot-induced-open tibial fractures from March 2018 to October 2020. Data included patient demographics, treatments, and outcomes, with at least one year of follow-up. Primary outcomes were union, non-union, infection, and amputation. RESULTS The study included 244 injured individuals, predominantly young adult males (99.2%) with nearly half (48.9%) having Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB fractures and more than half (66.8%) with over 1 cm of bone loss. Most patients required surgery, including rotational flaps and bone grafts with a median of 3 admissions and 9 surgeries. Ortho-plastic teams managed more severe muscle and skin injuries, cases with bone loss > 1 cm, and performed less debridement compared to other groups, though these differences were not statistically significant. Non-union occurred in 53% of the cases, with the ortho-plastic team having the highest rate at 63.6%. Infection rates were high (92.5%), but no significant differences in bone or infection outcomes were observed among the different groups. Logistic regression analysis identified bone loss > 1 cm, vascular injury, and the use of a definitive fixator at the first application as predictors of non-union. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the severity and complexity of such injuries, emphasizing their significant impact on patients and the healthcare system. Ortho-plastic teams appeared to play a crucial role in managing severe cases. However, further research is still needed to enhance our understanding of how to effectively manage these injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Farhat
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Gefinor Center Block D, 3rd floor, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Krystel Moussally
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Lebanon Branch Office, Middle East Medical Unit, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hasan Nahouli
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Shahd Abu Hamad
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Gefinor Center Block D, 3rd floor, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Khulood Abul Qaraya
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Gefinor Center Block D, 3rd floor, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Zahi Abdul-Sater
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Gefinor Center Block D, 3rd floor, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Walaa G El Sheikh
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nadine Jawad
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Gefinor Center Block D, 3rd floor, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Khouloud Al Sedawi
- Operational Centre Brussels, Gaza mission, Médecins Sans Frontières, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Mohammed Obaid
- Operational Centre Brussels, Gaza mission, Médecins Sans Frontières, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Hafez AbuKhoussa
- Operational Centre Brussels, Gaza mission, Médecins Sans Frontières, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Innocent Nyaruhirira
- Operational Centre Brussels, Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hani Tamim
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shehan Hettiaratchy
- Centre for Blast Injury Studies, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anthony M J Bull
- Centre for Blast Injury Studies, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ghassan Abu-Sittah
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Gefinor Center Block D, 3rd floor, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon.
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Bernstein M, Little MTM, Marecek G. Current Management of Acute and Posttraumatic Critical Bone Defects. J Orthop Trauma 2024; 38:S1-S8. [PMID: 38502596 DOI: 10.1097/bot.0000000000002762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
SUMMARY Limb reconstruction in patients with critical-sized bone defects remains a challenge due to the availability of various technically demanding treatment options and a lack of standardized decision algorithms. Although no consensus exists, it is apparent from the literature that the combination of patient, surgeon, and institutional collaborations is effective in providing the most efficient care pathway for these patients. Success relies on choosing a particular surgical approach that manages infection, soft tissue defects, stability, and alignment. Recent systematic reviews demonstrate high success rates with the following management options: Ilizarov bone transport, Masquelet (induced membrane) technique, cancellous bone grafting, and vascularized bone grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Bernstein
- Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal QC, Canada; and
| | - Milton T M Little
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Beverly Hills, CA
| | - Geoffrey Marecek
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Beverly Hills, CA
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Verdin C, Zarick C, Steinberg J. Unique Challenges in Diabetic Foot Science. Clin Podiatr Med Surg 2024; 41:323-331. [PMID: 38388128 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpm.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In the past 30 years, there has been a rapid influx of information pertaining to the diabetic foot (DF) coming from numerous directions and sources. This article discusses the current state of the DF literature and challenges it presents to clinicians with its associated increase in knowledge on their derivations, complications, and interventions. Further, we attempt to provide tips on how to navigate and criticize the current literature to encourage and maximize positive outcomes in this challenging patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Verdin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington DC 20007, USA
| | - Caitlin Zarick
- Department of Plastic Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington DC 20007, USA
| | - John Steinberg
- Department of Plastic Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington DC 20007, USA.
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Blum JD, Reghunathan M, Bradford PS, Camacho J, Sendek G, Jeffers L, Cash C, Mackay D, Butler PD, Gosman AA. Strength in Numbers: A SWOT Analysis of Plastic Surgery. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e5462. [PMID: 38098947 PMCID: PMC10721123 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Plastic surgeons comprise the minority of practicing surgeons, with an even smaller minority practicing in an academic setting. As the practice of medicine and the systems in which we operate continue to evolve, it is essential that plastic surgeons have a say in the changing landscape. This study conducted a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of plastic surgery to identify unifying strengths and common threats. Methods An electronic survey was distributed to American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons' Winter Meeting attendees on three separate occasions preceding the meeting. Respondents were asked to provide demographic information and to identify the top three strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) for the specialty. Subgroup analyses were performed based on demographic characteristics. Results A total of 187 responses were received from meeting attendees, representing an 89.0% response rate. Most respondents were non-Hispanic (78.6%), White (66.8%), women (59.5%), and faculty/independent physicians (65.8%). The most identified strength in plastic surgery was our problem-solving abilities (62.0%). The most identified weakness was poor public perception of plastic surgery (54.0%). The most identified opportunity was demonstration of value to health systems (67.9%), and the most identified threat was scope of practice creep by other specialties (78.1%). The SWOT analysis identified lack of surgeon diversity as a key weakness, improvement of surgeon diversity as a key opportunity, and lack of diversity among plastic surgeons as a key threat to the specialty. Conclusion Only through a diverse but united front can we effectively use our strengths to face our threats and employ opportunities to overcome our weaknesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D. Blum
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis
| | - Meera Reghunathan
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, Calif
| | - Perry S. Bradford
- Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Virginia Health, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Justin Camacho
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Gabriela Sendek
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, Calif
| | - Lynn Jeffers
- St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital, Camarillo, Calif
| | - Camille Cash
- Camile Cash MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Houston, Tex
| | - Donald Mackay
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pa
| | - Paris D. Butler
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Amanda A. Gosman
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, Calif
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Dow T, ElAbd R, McGuire C, Corkum J, Youha SA, Samargandi O, Williams J. Outcomes of Free Muscle Flaps versus Free Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Lower Limb Reconstruction following Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Reconstr Microsurg 2023; 39:526-539. [PMID: 36577497 DOI: 10.1055/a-2003-8789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free flap reconstruction of the lower limb following trauma often suffers higher complication rates than other areas of the body. The choice of muscle or fasciocutaneous free flap is an area of active debate. METHODS A systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Register from inception to April 1, 2022 was performed. Articles were assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies instrument. The primary outcome was to assess and compare the major surgical outcomes of partial or total flap failure, reoperation, and amputation rates. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included. All studies were retrospective in nature, of level three evidence, and published between 1986 and 2021. The most common muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps used were latissimus dorsi flap (38.1%) and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap (64.8%), respectively. Meta-analysis found no significance difference in rates of total flap failure, takeback operations, or limb salvage, whereas partial flap failure rate was significantly lower for fasciocutaneous flaps. The majority of studies found no significant difference in complication rates, osteomyelitis, time to fracture union, or time to functional recovery. Most, 82.4% (14/17), of the included studies were of high methodological quality. CONCLUSION The rate of total flap failure, reoperation, or limb salvage is not significantly different between muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps after lower limb reconstruction following trauma. Partial flap failure rates appear to be lower with fasciocutaneous free flaps. Outcomes traditionally thought to be managed better with muscle free flaps, such as osteomyelitis and rates of fracture union, were comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Dow
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Rawan ElAbd
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Jaber Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah Hospital, Surra, Kuwait
| | - Connor McGuire
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Joseph Corkum
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sarah Al Youha
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Jaber Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah Hospital, Surra, Kuwait
| | - Osama Samargandi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jason Williams
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Mardourian M, Wiesemann GS, Sachse CC, Nichols DS, Hagen JE, Chim H. Hardware Salvage in the Lower Extremity after Flap Coverage: 10-Year Single Center Outcomes Analysis. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e5105. [PMID: 37427155 PMCID: PMC10325735 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
An unanswered question with open tibial fractures is whether the type of flap used affects hardware retention. Flap survival may not equate hardware retention or limb salvage. In this study, we performed a 10-year single institution review and analysis of all patients who had placement of hardware for open tibial fractures followed by flap coverage. Methods Inclusion criteria consisted of patients who underwent pedicled or free flap coverage of Gustilo IIIB or IIIC tibial fractures requiring open reduction and internal fixation. Outcomes and complications were statistically analyzed based on flap type. Flap type was stratified into free versus pedicled flaps and muscle versus fasciocutaneous flaps. Primary outcome measures included hardware failure and infection requiring hardware removal. Secondary outcome measures included limb salvage, flap success, and fracture union. Results Overall primary outcome measures were better for pedicled flaps (n = 31), with lower rates of hardware failure and infection (25.8%; 9.7%) compared with free flaps (n = 27) (51.9%; 37.0%). Limb salvage and flap success was not different comparing pedicled and free flaps. There was no significant difference in outcomes between muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps. Multivariable analysis showed that patients who had free versus pedicled flaps or muscle versus fasciocutaneous flaps had a higher chance of hardware failure. A formal orthoplastic team was established in the period from 2017 to 2022, after which flap numbers were higher and hardware failure less for pedicled and fasciocutaneous flaps. Conclusions Pedicled flaps were associated with lower rates of hardware failure and infection requiring hardware removal. A formal orthoplastic team improves hardware-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markos Mardourian
- From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla
| | - Gayle S. Wiesemann
- From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla
| | - Caroline C. Sachse
- From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla
| | - David S. Nichols
- From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla
| | - Jennifer E. Hagen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla
| | - Harvey Chim
- From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla
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Reconstruction Options for Lower Extremity Traumatic Wounds. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2022; 30:735-746. [PMID: 36067459 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-21-01081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The senior author first coined the "orthoplastic" approach to traumatic lower extremity reconstruction, by which multidisciplinary surgeons and specialists work together for optimal patient success. The goals of lower extremity salvage are to optimize limb appearance, restore unrestricted pain-free ambulation, and improve quality of life. Composite traumatic defects require an organized approach, and the reconstructive ladder is used for strategies of varying complexity for repair of soft-tissue wounds. The lower rungs of the ladder include simpler reconstructive options such as the use of skin grafts and local flaps, and the higher rungs represent complex techniques such as free tissue transfer. Although there is no notable difference between muscle and fasciocutaneous/perforator flaps in reconstructive outcomes, there has been a trend toward perforator flaps to minimize donor site morbidity.
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Shish kebab technique used to treat severe trauma to the foot: a case report. CURRENT ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/bco.0000000000001126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ferry AM, Gimenez AR, Abu-Ghname A, Xue EY, Pederson WC, Lazo DÁA, Maricevich M. Reconstruction of Complex Lower Extremity Defects. CURRENT SURGERY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40137-022-00315-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Erratum to Two Articles by Klifto et al., March 2021. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2021; 9:e3642. [PMID: 34036032 PMCID: PMC8133276 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003495.][This corrects the article DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003494.].
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