Amputation versus functional reconstruction in the management of complex hind foot injuries caused by land-mine explosions: a long-term retrospective comparison

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2014 May;24(4):621-6. doi: 10.1007/s00590-013-1345-4. Epub 2013 Oct 25.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of patients who were treated with either hind foot reconstruction or amputation in complex hind foot injuries accompanied with bone and soft tissue loss due to land-mine explosions. Between 1994 and 2004, all patients with hind foot complex injuries due to land-mine explosion, who were operated in our clinic, were enrolled to the study. All patients were evaluated with Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI) after a mean of 15.1 ± 2.2 (range 9-19) years of follow-up. Demographic characteristics, number of operations, necessity of psychiatric treatment and all complications were compared between groups. There were a total of 42 patients [21 in reconstruction group (Gr I) and 21 in amputation group (Gr II)]. The mean age at the time of final follow-up was 38.4 ± 3.04 years in Gr I and 38.2 ± 4.24 years in Gr II (p = 0.732). The mean follow-up duration was 15.7 ± 2.07 years in Gr I and 14.57 ± 2.29 years in Gr II (p = 0.081). The number of operations was significantly higher in Gr I (8.66 ± 10.2 times vs. 4.42 ± 7.7 times, respectively, p = 0.001). The mean FADI score at the final follow-up was 64.3 ± 18.1 in Gr I. In amputation group, more patients needed psychotherapy due to major depression (12 patients vs. 4 patients, p = 0.012). Major complications in Gr I were musculocutaneous flap atrophy in calcaneal region (n = 8 patients), limited ankle motion (n = 11) and painful osteophytes on plantar region (n = 6). In Gr II, stump problems were dominating (pain and tenderness n = 10, ulcer n = 2, allergic skin lesions n = 7, painful neuroma n = 10, bony spur n = 5, paresthesia n = 1, excessive sweating n = 12). At the final visit, although SF-36 scores were similar between groups (p = 0.182), extremity reconstruction group had significantly higher BIQLI scores than the amputation group (p = 0.016). If the dorsalis pedis is intact and midfoot and forefoot is relatively protected, hind foot reconstruction should be attempted. Long-term outcomes of hind foot reconstruction are satisfactory with minor complications and better BIQLI.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amputation, Surgical / adverse effects
  • Amputation, Surgical / methods*
  • Amputation, Surgical / psychology
  • Arthralgia / etiology
  • Blast Injuries / etiology
  • Blast Injuries / psychology
  • Blast Injuries / surgery*
  • Calcaneus / injuries
  • Calcaneus / surgery
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / etiology
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot Injuries / etiology
  • Foot Injuries / psychology
  • Foot Injuries / surgery*
  • Heel / injuries
  • Heel / surgery
  • Humans
  • Ilizarov Technique*
  • Limb Salvage / adverse effects
  • Limb Salvage / methods*
  • Male
  • Osteophyte / etiology
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / adverse effects
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Quality of Life
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Young Adult