A Combined Distal Tibial Turn-up Plasty and Intercalary Calcaneal Osteocutaneous Fillet Flap for Salvage of a Transtibial Amputation: A Case Report

Osteocutaneous Turn-Up Fillet Flaps: A Spare-Parts Orthoplastic Surgery Option for a Functional Posttraumatic Below-Knee Amputation

This article portrays the authors' experience with a complex lower limb bone and soft tissue defect, following chronic osteomyelitis and pathological fracture, which was managed by the multidisciplinary orthoplastic team. The decision for functional amputation versus limb salvage was deemed necessary, enhanced by the principles of "spare parts" in reconstructive microsurgery. This case describes the successful use of the osteocutaneous distal tibia turn-up fillet flap that allowed "lowering the level of the amputation" from a through knee to a below-knee amputation (BKA) to preserve the knee joint function. We comprehensibly review reports of turn-up flaps which effectively lower the level of amputation, also applying "spare-parts" surgery principles and explore how these concepts refine complex orthoplastic approaches when limb salvage is not possible to enhance function. The osteocutaneous distal tibia turn-up fillet flap is a robust technique for modified BKA reconstructions that provides sufficient bone length to achieve a tough, sensate stump and functional knee joint.

Preventing biological waste: Effective use of viable tissue in traumatized lower extremities

Severe open lower extremity trauma requires debridement to remove contamination and devitalized tissues. Aggressive debridement should be balanced with preservation of viable tissue. These often damaged but preserved viable tissues are "spare parts" that augment the options available for reconstruction. The long-term goal of reconstruction should be functional limb restoration and optimization. Injury patterns, levels, and patient factors will determine whether this endeavor is better accomplished with limb salvage or amputation. This article reviews the rationale and strategies for preserving spare parts throughout debridement and then incorporating them as opportunistic grafts in the ultimate reconstruction to facilitate healing and maximize extremity function.

Level of Evidence

5.

Staged salvage of diabetic foot with Chopart amputation and intramedullary nailing

We present a stepwise surgical approach that can be used, in lieu of a transtibial amputation, to preserve the lower limb in the setting of severe diabetic foot infections. A 63-year-old male status post left midfoot (Lisfranc’s) amputation presented to our hospital with a 4-year history of a left foot diabetic ulcer with associated purulent drainage and intermittent chills. On initial exam, the patient’s left foot amputation stump was plantarflexed, grossly erythematous, and edematous. The associated diabetic foot ulcer was actively draining purulent fluid. Following workup with radiography and ultrasound, the patient was diagnosed with a post-operative infection of the midfoot at the level of the amputation stump secondary to diabetic neuropathy. Our approach to management was a staged and included (1) surgical irrigation and debridement of the distal stump wound, (2) provisional negative pressure therapy, (3) a second-look procedure, and (4) a tibiotalocalcaneal fusion was performed using a lateral transfibular and plantar approach, after wound closure and resolution of active infection was achieved. At 36-month follow-up, the patient was fully weight-bearing in stiff sole sneakers with no gross overt alteration of gait pattern. The patient scored 79 points when assessed by the hindfoot American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot outcome score. In the patient with diabetes and cardiological restrictions, a Chopart amputation is preferred due to the decreased level of energy expenditure required for ambulation as compared to over more proximal levels of amputation.