Complete Amputation Research Articles

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Emergency Medical Services Staff in Bleeding Control of Trauma Patients; a Cross sectional Study.

External hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death due to trauma and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff members play a vital role in the frontline of trauma management. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of EMS staff in bleeding control. This knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study was conducted to assess the educational needs of EMS staff of Hormozgan province, Iran, regarding the bleeding control of trauma patients, during 2019. The participants were randomly selected and then their knowledge, attitude, and practice in management of hemorrhage and hemorrhagic shock were assessed using two researcher-made scenario-based questionnaires and one checklist. The scores for knowledge of the EMS staff regarding actions during complete amputation, status of injured patients, and medical measures during transfer of injured patients were 3.22 ± 0.68, 2.28 ± 0.83, and 2.29 ± 0.62, respectively. The average participants' attitude scores regarding the fear of bleeding, the importance of bleeding control, and confidence in bleeding control were 2.09±0.56, 2.4±0.58, and 1.76±0.55, respectively. The findings indicated that mean practice score was 1.72 ± 0.46 in capillary hemorrhage control, 1.41 ± 0.25 in venous bleeding control, 1.47 ± 0.25 in arterial bleeding control, and 1.56±0.27 in control of bleeding in the amputee limb. The knowledge, attitude, and practice of EMS staff regarding bleeding control were moderate, positive and appropriate, and incomplete, respectively. Since bleeding is a life threatening status and EMS staff skills are critical in this issue, it seems that we need to provide continuous education in this regard.

Comparison of traditional vascular reconstruction with covered stent in the treatment of subclavian artery injury

PurposeTo explore the significance of traditional vascular reconstruction and covered stent for limb salvage after subclavian artery injury. MethodsPatients with subclavian artery injury admitted to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2010 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All the injuries have been confirmed by intraoperative exploration, computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography. Complete or partial amputation injuries were excluded. Mild artery defect or partial intimal damage was treated by interventional implantation, while other patients received open surgeries, including direct suture of small defect less than 2 cm and transplantation with autologous vein or artificial blood when the defect was more than 2 cm. Patients were divided into open surgery group and stent implantation group based on the treatment they received. Patients were followed up at 2 weeks (first stage) and 6 months (second stage) after operation to investigate limb salvage. Student's t-test was used to compare the general data between two groups and Chi-square test to analyze the rate of limb salvage. ResultsAltogether 50 cases of subclavian artery injury were treated, including 36 cases of open surgery and 14 cases of stent implantation. Combination of nerve injury was observed in 27 cases (75.0%) in open surgery group and 12 cases (85.7%) in stent implantation group. Amputation developed in 3 cases with open surgery and 1 case with stent implantation. Consequently the rate of successful limb salvage was respectively 91.7% (33/36) and 92.9% (13/14), revealing no significant difference (p > 0.05). ConclusionRapid reconstruction of blood circulation is crucial following subclavian artery injury, no matter what kinds of treatment strategies have been adopted. Interventional stent implantation can achieve a good effect for limb salvage.

All hands on deck: Hand replantation versus transplantation.

Objectives:Our hands play a remarkable role in our activities of daily living and the make-up of our identities. In the United States, an estimated 41,000 individuals live with upper limb loss. Our expanding experience in limb transplantation—including operative techniques, rehabilitation, and expected outcomes—has often been based on our past experience with replantation. Here, we undertake a systematic review of replantation with transplantation in an attempt to better understand the determinants of outcome for each and to provide a summary of the data to this point.Methods:Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted PubMed searches from 1964 to 2013 for articles in English. In total, 53 primary and secondary source articles were found to involve surgical repair (either replantation or transplantation) for complete amputations at the wrist and forearm levels. All were read and analyzed.Results:Hand replantations and transplantations were compared with respect to pre-operative considerations, surgical techniques, post-operative considerations and outcomes, including motor, sensation, cosmesis, patient satisfaction/quality of life, adverse events/side effects, financial costs, and overall function. While comparison of data is limited by heterogeneity, these data support our belief that good outcomes depend on patient expectations and commitment.Conclusion:When possible, hand replantation remains the primary option after acute amputation. However, when replantation fails or is not possible, hand transplantation appears to provide at least equal outcomes. Patient commitment, realistic expectations, and physician competence must coincide to achieve the best possible outcomes for both hand replantation and transplantation.

Usage of Reversed Radial Forearm Flap for Reconstruction of Hand and Wrist Defects

Objectives: To highlight the usefulness of reverse radialforearm fasciocutaneous flap in covering various soft tissuedefects of hand and wrist.Study Design: Descriptive, experimental study.Setting: Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery,Tanta University Hospitals.Material and Methods: A total of 15 reverse radial forearmflaps were utilized to cover various soft tissue defects of handand wrist from various etiologies including road traffic accidents,mechanical trauma, and industrial trauma and fireworksinjuries were included. Patients with segmental bone loss andthose patients having partial of complete amputation of thumbwere excluded. The age ranged from 22-43 (mean 22.5) years.Soft tissue defects of dorsum were covered with this flap in7 cases, 3 cases on palmer aspect and 5 cases for 1st webspace and the index finger defects each. Patients were followedfor at least three months post-operatively.Results: We had partial loss of flap in two cases that wasmanaged with debridement and skin grafting. Superficialepidermolysis was found in one case and managed conservatively.Donor site was skin grafted in 13 cases, which washealed uneventfully and quite acceptable to the patients indue course of time and direct clousure in 2 cases.Conclusion: Reverse radial artery flap has a quite longarc of rotation, which brings it great ease to cover the softtissue defects of various areas of hand like palm, dorsum,first web space.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for nonischemic diabetic ulcers: A systematic review.

ABSTRACTDiabetic foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes, which affects 25% of patients and may ultimately lead to amputation of affected limbs. Research suggests hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves healing of these ulcers. However, this has not been reflected in previous reviews, possibly because they did not differentiate between patients with and without peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of published literature in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases on nonischemic diabetic foot ulcers with outcome measures including complete ulcer healing, amputation rate (major and minor), and mortality. Seven studies were included, of which two were randomized clinical trials. Two studies found no difference in major amputation rate, whereas one large retrospective study found 2% more major amputations in the hyperbaric oxygen group. However, this study did not correct for baseline differences. Two studies showed no significant difference in minor amputation rate. Five studies reporting on complete wound healing showed no significant differences. In conclusion, the current evidence suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not accelerate wound healing and does not prevent major or minor amputations in patients with a diabetic foot ulcer without peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Based on the available evidence, routine clinical use of this therapy cannot be recommended. However, the available research for this specific subgroup of patients is scarce, and physicians should counsel patients on expected risks and benefits. Additional research, focusing especially on patient selection criteria, is needed to better identify patients that might profit from this therapy modality.

Self-amputation of the Upper Extremity: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Indications for upper-extremity replantation include wrist-level and wrist-proximal amputations, due to the devastating loss of function incurred from these severe injuries. Decisions regarding replantation must be made expeditiously at these proximal levels in an effort to minimize ischemia time. This decision-making process becomes more complicated when a patient presents following intentional self-amputation of an extremity, especially in the setting of an associated mood disorder, psychiatric illness, and/or frank psychosis. A case report is presented involving a 28-year-old right-hand dominant male with untreated depression and recent suicidal ideation who sustained a complete left forearm amputation (distal-third forearm-level) from a self-inflicted circular saw injury. We conducted a PubMed literature search of other reported cases of intentional self-amputations of the hand and upper extremity. The patient underwent replantation of the left upper extremity. At six years postoperatively, the patient was extremely satisfied with the appearance and function of the replanted extremity. Dash score was 5.8 with a Chen Grade 1 (excellent) functional recovery. A literature search identified 16 cases of self-inflicted upper extremity amputation. One patient died at the scene. 87% (13/15) of patients presenting to the hospital were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (depression n = 6, bipolar n = 2, and schizophrenia n = 5). 67% (10/15) of these patients were also diagnosed with psychosis. Ten patients underwent replantation (nine at hand/wrist level and one at forearm level), all of which were viable postoperatively. Detailed functional outcome data were not reported in any of the cases. Four patients (40%) were pleased or satisfied with the outcome, but subjective outcomes were not reported for the other six patients. Intentional self-amputation of the hand/upper extremity is an extreme and uncommon act, often presenting with complex psychiatric issues. Although replantation is technically feasible in this patient population, long-term subjective and objective functional outcomes are largely unknown. Future study of this unique group of patients is needed to better assess patient-reported outcomes and functional outcomes of replantation, which could help guide decision making at the time of initial injury.

Pre-injury level of anxiety is associated with the rate of digit replant failure: A prospective cohort study

Previous studies have demonstrated that age, smoking, Tamai's level of amputation, causes of injury and ischemia time were associated with the success rate of digit replantation. The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether mental status including anxiety and depression is associated with the rate of digit replant failure. This study included 134 digits from 102 patients who received digital replantation after complete amputation from 1 September 2013 to 1 September 2015. The Zung self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and the Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to assess the pre-injury level of anxiety and depression for each patient. All participants were followed up for at least 1 month. Failure was defined as necrosis of replanted finger which required revision amputation or flap cover of the skeleton. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased level of pre-injury anxiety was an independent risk factor correlated with success rate (odds ratios [OR] = 7.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.93-30.30) in this series. The relative risk of anxiety group was 4.48 (95% CI: 1.38-14.49) compared to normal group. Digits with double arterial anastomosis in anxiety patients showed a higher survival rate while the number of veins repaired showed no significant effect on survival rate. Increased level of pre-injury anxiety was an independent risk factors for digit replantation failure. Double arterial anastomosis increased the success rate of replanted digits in anxiety patients.

Functional Outcomesof Secondary Procedures in Upper Extremity Replantation and Revascularization.

IntroductionTraumatic amputation of the upper limb has significant associated morbidities and disabilities. After successful replantation surgery, the micro-surgeons’ tasks are far from over. The replanted and revascularized segments have numerous functional restrictions and need various corrective secondary procedures. The aim of our study was to compare the functional results after secondary procedures by administering the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire to patients who had successful upper limb replantation and revascularization.Materials and methodsThis prospective observational study involved 40 patients who had a partial or complete amputation of the upper limb and underwent secondary procedures to correct function after successful replantation and revascularization surgery. The patients’ functional outcomes after various secondary procedures were recorded using the QuickDASH questionnaire.ResultsThe mean QuickDASH score for thumb injuries was 42.3 pre-surgery but improved to 29.5 after secondary procedures, which was statistically significant (CI 11.12-14.87, p<0.01). The mean difference in the QuickDASH scores for finger injuries was also statistically significant: 45.5 preoperation and 33.7 postoperation (CI 9.89-13.70, p<0.01). For wrist injuries, the mean QuickDASH score was 52.8 presurgery and was 46.3 postoperatively (CI 1.81-6.58, p=0.0023). The QuickDASH scores of the patients with arm and forearm injuries showed no statistically significant improvement, with a preoperation score of 58.3 declining to 55.2 (p=0.98). The overall replantation and revascularization scores were 49.725 and 41.175 pre and postoperation, respectively (CI 8.35-8.75, p<0.01).ConclusionThe study finds that the level and mechanism of injury are important predictors of the functional outcomes of the replantation and revascularization of amputated upper-limb appendages. Most replanted and revascularized upper limbs have numerous functional limitations, and achieving good functional results requires one or more secondary procedures, whose type depends on various factors such as the injury type and mechanism. The QuickDASH results for functional outcomes before and after secondary procedures indicate that it is an easy-to-use, reliable, and effective measure of functional outcomes.

Fingertip Injury and Management.

Fingertip injuries are common and can be difficult to manage because of unique anatomical considerations. Optimal treatment minimizes residual pain while preserving the function, length, and sensation of the affected digit. Several types of fingertip injury, including sharp or crush injuries, partial or complete amputations, and those involving the nail plate or nail bed, can occur. Depending on the type of injury, location within the fingertip, degree of soft-tissue loss, and involvement of perionychium, the most effective management may be one of several options. Knowledge of local and regional anatomy is paramount in selecting and performing the procedure that provides the best outcome. To address the array of possible fingertip injuries, we demonstrate several treatment options including (1) local flap reconstruction, (2) regional flap reconstruction, (3) revision or completion amputation, (4) nail bed repair, (5) acellular dermal regeneration templating, and (6) replantation. Outcomes are generally favorable but can be affected by injury and patient characteristics. The most common complications include nail deformity, cold intolerance, and painful neuroma formation.

Seasonal Trends in Traumatic Digit Amputations: Experience of a Level І and a Level ІІ Hospital in a Northeastern State.

Background: Traumatic digit amputations are common hand injuries in the United States. The primary aim of our study was to describe the relationship between season and mechanisms of amputation. Methods: The Emergency Department and Orthopaedic Surgery Billing Department databases of our level І institution in the Northeast were reviewed to identify patients with a traumatic digit amputation between January 2010 and December 2015. Inclusion criteria were defined as any patient presenting with a partial or complete amputation through Verdan zone I or II. All patient information was entered into a secure database, including date of injury, demographic information, digits amputated, mechanism of injury (crush, laceration, avulsion, bite, blast, saw, snow blower, or lawn mower), and Verdan zones of amputation. In addition to descriptive statistics, Fisher exact and χ2 tests were used to compare the incidence of these traumatic digit amputation mechanisms between seasons. Results: For this 6-year period, an average of 24 patients presented each season for treatment of a traumatic digit amputation. Of all seasons, spring had the highest proportion of lawn mower amputations (62.5%; P < .0001), summer had the highest proportion of blast amputations (75.0%; P = .011), and winter had the highest proportion of snow blower amputations (90.9%; P < .0001). All other traumatic digit amputation mechanisms had no significant seasonal variation in incidence (P > .30). Conclusions: Given that certain traumatic digit amputation mechanisms occur predictably during certain seasons, seasonal public education has the potential to prevent these debilitating injuries.

Faloplastia con colgajo anterolateral del muslo regional. Experiencia inicial de un caso

La faloplastia es un procedimiento quirúrgico reconstructivo que tiene dentro de sus objetivos alcanzar un buen resultado funcional y estético, mediante la transferencia de tejido que ofrezca sensibilidad táctil y erógena, la micción de pie y la penetración durante las relaciones sexuales. En este reporte se presenta la experiencia inicial en la IPS Universitaria Sede Clínica León XIII, con un caso de amputación traumática completa usando el colgajo anterolateral del muslo de forma regional. En este paciente se logró la reconstrucción completa del defecto, el colgajo sobrevivió en un 100 % y sólo se presentó una pequeña pérdida del injerto de piel en la zona donante como complicación menor, que no requirió ningún procedimiento adicional. En el caso presentado se usó un método que permite la reconstrucción del falo en un solo tiempo quirúrgico, sin necesidad de microcirugía, con poca morbilidad en el sitio donante y altas tasas de éxito.

Results of Graft Removal and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Management of Graft Infection.

Graft infections are a challenging complication in lower extremity bypass surgery with poor outcome, even when treated with graft removal (Gr-R) as a gold standard therapy. The efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for graft infections has been reported recently, but it is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of NPWT and Gr-R for treating graft infections. Twelve consecutive patients with graft infections from 2008 to 2014, treated with Gr-R or NPWT, were enrolled. Those procedures were assessed in complete wound healing, reinfection, amputation, and mortality rate. Five grafts were treated with Gr-R, and seven grafts with NPWT. The initial indications for bypass surgery were claudication, in five grafts treated with Gr-R and three grafts treated with NPWT, and critical limb ischemia in four grafts treated with NPWT. The median time until healing in Gr-R and NPWT was 12 and 59 days, with complete healing seen in 100 and 85.7%, respectively. The major amputation rate was 20 and 14.3%, and reinfection rate was 20 and 14.3%, respectively. There was no perioperative mortality. Gr-R did not show devastating outcome when applied for grafts without limb-threatening ischemia. NPWT showed a low level of invasiveness with excellent results, except for anastomosis site infections. To achieve optimal results, a tailored treatment strategy should be considered.

Is Reconstruction Preserving the First Ray or First Two Rays Better Than Full Transmetatarsal Amputation in Diabetic Foot?

The benefits of total transmetatarsal amputation over higher level amputation are well known. However, there are no studies evaluating the effects of first ray- or first two ray-sparing transmetatarsal amputation with flap coverage. The authors evaluated this approach with regard to functional outcome and to identify long-term complications. Retrospective data of 59 patients were evaluated according to their surgical method. Complete transmetatarsal amputation with free flap reconstruction was designated as the transmetatarsal amputation group with 27 patients and first ray- or first two ray-preserving transmetatarsal amputation with free flap reconstruction was designated as the ray group, with 32 patients. Demographics, flap outcomes, additional procedures after initial healing, and functional outcomes were measured and evaluated. There was no statistically significant difference in demographic distribution and flap outcomes in either group, except for poor blood glucose control in the ray group. Additional procedures after initial healing showed no statistical difference, but the tendency of minor procedures was higher in the ray group. The maximum achieved ambulatory function was significantly better in the ray group, with an ambulatory function score of 4.4 compared with 3.7 in the transmetatarsal amputation group (p = 0.012). The preservation of the first ray or first two rays with free flap reconstruction may functionally benefit the patients despite the higher tendency toward minor procedures after initial healing. Furthermore, the progressive deformity of the preserved first and second toes will inevitably occur, requiring patients to undergo further surgery. Further studies are warranted to evaluate this approach. Therapeutic, III.

Complex reconstruction following traumatic forequarter amputation

Interscapulothoracic amputation is a radical and morbid procedure used for the management of upper extremity trauma and more commonly for resection of solid tumors. Traumatic forequarter amputation poses a unique challenge for achieving adequate tissue coverage depending on the condition of the muscle and soft tissue of the ipsilateral extremity. We present a case of a 38-year-old construction worker who suffered an almost complete forequarter amputation of his right upper extremity secondary to blunt force trauma from a crane pulley that fell from 60 ft. This is a unique mechanism of injury, as most traumatic forequarter amputations occur as a result of traction injury. Details of the case report including the unique challenges, techniques for tissue salvage, fillet flaps, and chest wall reconstruction are presented.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma over Cutaneous Verrucous Lichen: One Case in Parakou (Benin)

Introduction: We report an unusual case of squamous cell carcinoma on a verrucous lichen of chronic evolution taken in charge in Borgou/Alibori UHC in Parakou (Benin). Observation: A 75-year old Beninese woman with a history of portal hypertension post-viral cirrhosis C treated with negative viral load, had consulted for a large chronic ulceration of the right foot back. The beginning of the symptomatology would go back to about 30 years, marked by lichenified, pruriginous popular lesions; these lesions would initially be treated as eczema and then mycosis by health personnel not specialised in dermatology and multitreated with unspecified topicals. General state was altered. In addition to ulceration, the dermatological examination found plates of hyperpigmented lichen lesion, homogeneous and well limited bilateral and symmetrical topography on the pelvic limbs making difficult to walk. Anatomopathological examination of the biopsy sample straddling the ulceration and its edges suggested a hypertrophic cutaneous lichen associated with keratinizing, infiltrating epidermal carcinoma. The chest-abdominal-pelvic scan showed no metastasis. A complete amputation of the right leg and knee was performed after a psychological interview. The follow-up was marked by an over-infection of the amputation stump by Escherichia coli, which was successfully treated. Healed, she is waiting for orthopedic equipment and possible chemotherapy. Conclusion: This clinical case indicates the need for adequate management of certain potentially precancerous dermatoses, in order to limit the progression to carcinogenic transformation.

Replantation of the Completely Amputated Adult Penis: Two Case Reports Using Microsurgical Technique

Replantation of the Completely Amputated Adult Penis: Two Case Reports Using Microsurgical Technique

REVERSE RADIAL FOREARM FLAP

Objectives: To highlight the usefulness of reverse radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap in covering various soft tissue defects of hand and wrist. Study Design: Descriptive, experimental study. Setting: Department of Plastic &amp; Reconstructive Surgery, Dow University of Health Sciences &amp; Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi. Period: December 2016 to January 2018. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 16 reverse radial forearm flaps were utilizedto cover various soft tissue defects of hand and wrist from various etiologies including road traffic accidents, mechanical trauma, and industrial trauma and fireworks injuries were included. Patients with segmental bone loss and those patients having partial of complete amputation of thumb were excluded. The age ranged from 18 – 45 (mean 29.25) years. Soft tissue defects of dorsum were covered with this flap in 8 cases, 4 cases on palmer aspect and 2 cases for transmetacarpal level and 1st web space defects each. Donor site was covered with split skin graft in all cases. Patients were followed for at least three months postoperatively. Results: We had partial loss of flap in two cases which was managed with debridement and skin grafting. Superficial epidermolysis was found in one case and managed conservatively. Donor site was skin grafted in all cases which was healed uneventfully and quite acceptable to the patients in due course of time. Conclusion: Reverse radial artery flap has a quite long arc of rotation, which brings it great ease to cover the soft tissue defects of various areas of hand like palm, dorsum and first web space.

Managing vascular compromise of hand and digit replantation following traumatic amputation.

Hands are anatomically complex and have great social, physical and emotional importance. Hand or digit replantation following traumatic partial or complete amputation is a complex injury for nursing staff to understand and manage. The absence of clear guidance, combined with a lack of consensus in the literature gives rise to ambiguity and insufficient understanding of appropriate and effective management. This article aims to outline nursing care of the patient in the first few days following hand or digit reattachment, particularly focusing on the recognition and management of arterial and venous compromise. Complications must be recognised and acted on quickly to give the best chance of survival so it is essential for nurses to have an accurate understanding of the signs, symptoms and management options of vascular compromise. Leech therapy, also discussed, has long been used as a nonsurgical option in the management of venous congestion and is a simple and minimally invasive method of managing congestion.

Exploration for Suitable Vessels for Replantation in “The Middle-type” Fingertip Amputation in Early Childhood; A Follow-up to “Validity of Exploration for Suitable Vessels for Replantation in the Distal Fingertip Amputation in Early Childhood: Replantation or Composite Graft”

Introduction: Pediatric digital amputations are rare compared to adult cases. Although the indications for digital replantation in children are generally more liberal and aggressive, they become rather ambiguous when fingertips are involved, especially those of the fingertip at the level of mid nail bed (middle-type). Previously, we reported that exploration in pediatric (6-year-old and younger) middle-type fingertip amputation found suitable vessels for replantation in 50% of times but the result of subsequent replantation was always successful. Moreover, we experienced an overall success rate of 67% in exploration cases including those of subsequent replantation with suitable vessels and composite grafting without suitable vessels. This was higher than a success rate of 57% in cases treated with primary composite grafting without exploration. Recently, we have encountered four additional cases of pediatric middle-type fingertip amputation. Therefore, we reviewed and re-analyzed all our cases to verify the value of exploring suitable vessels for digital replantation over primary composite grafting, especially in early childhood, as a follow-up to our previous report. Method: A retrospective review of cases involving the surgical treatment of young children (6 years or younger), with single-digit complete middle-type fingertip amputations from 1993 to 2016 was conducted. Cases were divided into two groups: cases underwent reattachment as composite graft primarily and cases underwent exploration for suitable vessels for replantation. In the latter group when suitable vessels for replantation were found, replantation was attempted. On the other hand, when no suitable vessels were found, amputated parts were treated as secondary composite graft with or without pocket method. The success of replantation or reattachment as a composite graft was judged on the basis of the clinical records. Results: A total of 17 consecutive cases were identified, including 13 cases that were previously reported and four new cases. Of the four new cases, replantation was successful in three cases, while simple composite grafting failed after exploration in the other case. The probability to find suitable vessels increased to 60% with the addition of three successful replantations. However, the overall success rate for vessel exploration (70%) did not show statistical significance compared to that of primary composite grafting (57%). Conclusion: We, again recommend exploration for amputations at this level with a view to replantation. Where microsurgical replantation is not possible, the use of the pocket technique can lead to a higher chance of graft survival.

Secondary Surgery following Initial Replantation/Revascularization or Completion Amputation in the Hand or Digits.

The authors studied the rate of secondary surgery following replantation/revascularization or completion amputation in patients with traumatic upper extremity injuries. The authors hypothesized that there are no factors associated with secondary surgery after initial treatment and that travel distance to the authors' hospital does not influence the number of secondary operations. A multi-institutional retrospective study was performed including patients presenting from 2006 to 2014. The authors included 1254 patients and calculated the incidence of secondary surgery following initial operative management. The authors performed multivariable regression analysis to determine factors associated with secondary surgery and ordinal logistic regression tested the association of living at a further distance (>50 miles) and having zero, one, or multiple secondary operations. The rate of secondary surgery was 25 percent for all patients: 51 percent following replantation/revascularization and 22 percent following completion amputation. The authors observed a trend for lower rate of secondary surgery over time among patients who underwent completion amputation. The mean number of secondary operations was 1.2 after replantation/revascularization versus 0.45 operations after completion amputation. Avulsion and multiple-digit injuries were associated with higher odds and Hispanic race was associated with lower odds of secondary surgery. Patients living more than 50 miles from the hospital had a higher likelihood of undergoing one or multiple secondary operations. Twenty-five percent of patients with traumatic, dysvascular digital injuries underwent secondary surgery following initial revascularization or completion amputation. Patients undergoing initial revascularization or replantation were more than twice as likely to undergo secondary surgery compared with those undergoing completion amputation. Risk, III.