Use of the Allgöwer-Donati Suture Technique for Wound Closure Following Transmetatarsal Amputation

Abstract

Introduction. The Allgöwer-Donati suture technique reportedly has lower incision perfusion impairment compared with other suture techniques. The authors of the present case series hypothesized that suture technique selection to achieve lower incision perfusion impairment may result in improved healing rates and decreased incidence of wound complications in partial foot amputations, specifically TMAs. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of TMA with skin closure completed using the Allgöwer-Donati suture technique. Materials and Methods. The records of 7 patients (8 limbs) who underwent closure with the Allgöwer-Donati suture technique after TMA between March 2021 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with a diagnosis of gangrene were included. Results. Five of 8 limbs (62.5%) healed uneventfully, with an average time to healing of 3.3 weeks. Six of 8 limbs (75%) healed within 4 weeks, and 1 limb was lost to follow-up. Conclusions. The results of this small case series suggest that use of the Allgöwer-Donati suture technique may result in decreased incidence of wound complications by allowing improved perfusion at the amputation site.