High Amputation Research Articles

ОБРАЩЕНИЕ ГЛАВНОГО РЕДАКТОРА К ЧИТАТЕЛЯМ ВЕСЕННЕГО НОМЕРА 2024 Г. "БАЙКАЛЬСКОГО МЕДИЦИНСКОГО ЖУРНАЛА"

We present to your attention the spring issue of the “Baikal Medical Journal”, in which together we have collected the most interesting scientific materials. In the section of original articles you can familiarize yourself with the works of researchers dedicated to forests. treatment of diabetic foot. Authors V.A. Beloborodov and A.P. Frolov from the Department of General Surgery Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Irkutsk State Medical University" of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Irkutsk) in the work “Multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of infectious complications of syn- Diabetic Foot Droma" provides data from a retrospective analysis of 151 patient histories. Comrade with diabetic foot syndrome. The authors have proven that it is the multidisciplinary sub- the course makes it possible to preserve the supporting function of the limb in most patients and reduce the number of the incidence of high amputations in patients with diabetic foot syndrome

IDF23-0360 Challenges in Managing Diabetic Foot: High Amputation Rates in Bejaia Province

IDF23-0360 Challenges in Managing Diabetic Foot: High Amputation Rates in Bejaia Province

Prosthetic Fitting Concepts after Major Amputation in the Upper Limb - an Overview of Current Possibilities

The upper extremity and particularly the hands are crucial for patients in interacting with their environment, therefore amputations or severe damage with loss of hand function significantly impact their quality of life. In cases where biological reconstruction is not feasible or does not lead to sufficient success, bionic reconstruction plays a key role in patient care. Classical myoelectric prostheses are controlled using two signals derived from surface electrodes in the area of the stump muscles. Prosthesis control, especially in high amputations, is then limited and cumbersome. The surgical technique of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) offers an innovative solution: The major arm nerves that have lost their target organs due to amputation are rerouted to muscles in the stump area. This enables the establishment of cognitive control signals that allow significantly improved prosthesis control. A selective literature review on TMR and bionic reconstruction was conducted, incorporating relevant articles and discussing them considering the clinical experience of our research group. Additionally, a clinical case is presented. Bionic reconstruction combined with Targeted Muscle Reinnervation enables intuitive prosthetic control with simultaneous movement of various prosthetic degrees of freedom and the treatment of neuroma and phantom limb pain. Long-term success requires a high level of patient compliance and intensive signal training during the prosthetic rehabilitation phase. Despite technological advances, challenges persist, especially in enhancing signal transmission and integrating natural sensory feedback into bionic prostheses. TMR surgery represents a significant advancement in the bionic care of amputees. Employing selective nerve transfers for signal multiplication and amplification, opens up possibilities for improving myoelectric prosthesis function and thus enhancing patient care. Advances in the area of external prosthetic components, improvements in the skeletal connection due to osseointegration and more fluid signal transmission using wireless, fully implanted electrode systems will lead to significant progress in bionic reconstruction, both in terms of precision of movement and embodiment.

Identifying and Validating Extracellular Matrix-Related Gene CTSH in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Using Bioinformatics and Machine Learning.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a serious clinical problem with high amputation and mortality rates, yet there is a lack of desirable therapy. While the extracellular matrix (ECM) contributes significantly to wound healing, ECM-related biomarker for DFU is still unknown. The study was designed to identify ECM-related biomarker in DFU using bioinformatics and machine learning and validate it in STZ-induced mice models. GSE80178 and GSE134431 microarray datasets were fetched from the GEO database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis was performed, respectively. By analyzing DEGs and ECM genes, we identified ECM-related DEGs, and functional enrichment analysis was conducted. Subsequently, three machine learning algorithms (LASSO, RF and SVM-RFE) were applied to filter ECM-related DEGs to identify key ECM-related biomarkers. Next, we conducted immune infiltration analysis, GSEA, and correlation analysis to explore the hub gene underlying mechanism. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and drug regulatory network were constructed. Finally, we validated the key ECM-related biomarker in STZ-induced mice models. One hundred and forty-five common DEGs in adult DFU between the two datasets were identified. Taking the intersection of 145 common DEGs and 964 ECM genes, we identified 13 ECM-related DEGs. Thirteen ECM-related DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways associatedwith tissue remodeling, inflammation and defense against infectious agents. Ultimately, CTSH was identified as the key ECM-related biomarker. CTSH was associated with difference immune cells during the occurrence and development of DFU, and it influenced hedgehog, IL-17 and TNF signaling pathway. Additionally, CTSH expression is correlated with many ECM- and immune-related genes. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and drug regulatory network were constructed with 10 lncRNAs, 2 miRNAs, CTSH and 1 drug. Finally, CTSH was validated as a key biomarker for DFU in animal models. Our study found that CTSH can be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes and might be a potential therapeutic target.

A peptide-based pH-sensitive antibacterial hydrogel for healing drug-resistant biofilm-infected diabetic wounds.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant complication affecting roughly 15% of diabetic patients. These chronic wounds can be incredibly burdensome, leading to high treatment costs, potential amputations, and additional health complications. Microbiological studies reveal that bacterial infections are the primary culprit behind delayed wound healing. To solve the problem of infection at the wound site, the most fundamental thing is to kill the pathogenic bacteria. Herein, a neoteric strategy to construct novel antibacterial hydrogel COA-T3 that combined photosensitizers (PSs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) via covalent coupling was proposed. Hydrogel COA-T3 composed of quaternized chitosan (QCS) and oxidized dextran (OD) was constructed for co-delivery of the photosensitizer TPI-PN and the antimicrobial peptide HHC10. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated remarkable effectiveness of COA-T3 against drug-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, the hydrogel significantly promoted healing of diabetic infected wounds. This enhanced antibacterial activity is attributed to the pH-sensitive release of both PSs and AMPs within the hydrogel. Additionally, COA-T3 exhibits excellent biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for wound dressing materials. These findings indicated that the COA-T3 hydrogel is a promising wound dressing material for promoting the healing of diabetic foot ulcers by providing an environment conducive to improved wound healing in diabetic patients.

Engineered exosomes as a prospective therapy for diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), characterized by high recurrence rate, amputations and mortality, poses a significant challenge in diabetes management. The complex pathology involves dysregulated glucose homeostasis leading to systemic and local microenvironmental complications, including peripheral neuropathy, micro- and macro-angiopathy, recurrent infection, persistent inflammation and dysregulated re-epithelialization. Novel approaches to accelerate DFU healing are actively pursued, with a focus on utilizing exosomes. Exosomes are natural nanovesicles mediating cellular communication and containing diverse functional molecular cargos, including DNA, mRNA, microRNA (miRNA), lncRNA, proteins, lipids and metabolites. While some exosomes show promise in modulating cellular function and promoting ulcer healing, their efficacy is limited by low yield, impurities, low loading content and inadequate targeting. Engineering exosomes to enhance their curative activity represents a potentially more efficient approach for DFUs. This could facilitate focused repair and regeneration of nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue after ulcer development. This review provides an overview of DFU pathogenesis, strategies for exosome engineering and the targeted therapeutic application of engineered exosomes in addressing critical pathological changes associated with DFUs.

Optimal tactics for surgical revascularisation in diabetic angiopathy of the lower limbs.

Aim: This study aims to compare the efficacy of conservative treatment methods versus advanced surgical interventions, including revascularising automyelotransplantation and stem cell therapy, in improving vascular patency and the quality of life in patients with diabetic angiopathy. Materials and Methods: The research analyzed 68 patients with angiopathies under medical supervision from January 2007 to December 2017 at the National Scientific Center of Surgery named after A.N. Syzganov. Participants, aged 4 to 49, were divided into two groups based on angiographic blood flow characteristics: one with accelerated and another with delayed blood flow. A comprehensive participant selection process was implemented to ensure a representative sample. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the findings' robustness. Results: The main group demonstrated notable success in limb salvage, with 90.9% avoiding high limb amputation post-revascularising automyelotransplantation. Moreover, 16.7% of patients experienced healing of trophic ulcers and toe necrosis. The use of stem cells from adipose tissue and fetal tissue progenitor cells showed promising results in reducing pain and increasing pain-free walking distance, alongside the formation of collateral vascular networks. Conclusions: The study concludes that advanced surgical interventions and stem cell therapies significantly enhance treatment outcomes in patients with diabetic angiopathy compared to conventional conservative treatments. These findings highlight the potential of personalized and innovative approaches in managing vascular complications associated with diabetes, offering new avenues for reducing disability and improving patient quality of life. Future research should focus on further refining these therapeutic strategies and exploring their integration into clinical practice.

Mechanical characteristics of diabetic and non-diabetic plantar skin

Diabetic foot ulceration is linked to high amputation and mortality rates, with the substantial associated annual spend on the at-risk diabetic foot reflecting the intensive time and labour involved in treatment. Assessing plantar interactions and developing improved understanding of the formation pathways of diabetic ulceration is important to orthotic interventions and patient outcomes. Plantar skin surrogates which emulate the mechanical and tribological characteristics can help improve physical models of ulceration, reduce reliance on cadaveric use and inform more complex computational modelling approaches. The information available from existing studies to characterise plantar skin is limited, typically featuring ex-vivo representations of skin and subcutaneous tissue combined and given focus to shear studies with time dependency. The aim of this study is to improve understanding of plantar tissue mechanics by assessing the mechanical characteristics of plantar skin in two groups; (1) non-diabetic and (2) diabetic donors without the subcutaneous tissue attachment of previous work in this field. Digital image correlation was used to assess inherent skin pre-tension of the plantar rearfoot prior to dissection. Young’s modulus, storage and loss moduli were tested for using tensile stress–strain failure analysis and tensile and compressive dynamic mechanical analysis, which was conducted on excised plantar rearfoot donor specimens for both disease state cohorts at frequencies reflecting those achieved in activities of daily living. Plantar skin thickness for donor specimens were comparable to values obtained using ultrasound acquired in vivo values. Median tensile storage and loss moduli, along with Young’s modulus, was higher in the diabetic cohort. With a mean Young’s modulus of 0.83 ± 0.49 MPa and 1.33 ± 0.43 MPa for non-diabetic and diabetic specimens respectively. Compressive studies showed consistency between cohorts for median storage and loss moduli. The outcomes from this study show mechanical characteristics of plantar skin without the involvement of subcuteanous tissues under reflective daily achieved loading regimes, showing differences in the non-diabetic and diabetic specimens trialled to support improved understanding of plantar tissue response under tribological interactions.

FEATURES OF THE COURSE OF DIABETIC NEUROSTEOARTHROPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy (DNOA, Charcot foot) is a relatively rare complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), which can lead not only to impaired support function of the lower limb in such patients, but also to high amputation. DNOAP is characterized by persistent aseptic inflammation of the bone structures of the foot, which creates significant difficulties in planning treatment measures[1,2,3,4]. In the medical literature, there is data demonstrating the role of individual cytokines and neurohumoral factors in the prolongation of the inflammatory process in diabetes, however, studies identifying significant markers Aseptic inflammation with DNOAP is currently extremely rare[5,6,7].

Global healthcare pathway of people living with diabetes prior to wounding is associated with a decreased risk of amputation

AimsDiabetic foot ulcer (DFU) has a poor prognosis and high amputation rate. We previously used the French National Health Data System (Système National des Données de Santé: SNDS) to analyze the impact of deprivation and healthcare access on DFU prognosis. The purpose of this ancillary study was to explore the relationship between the global care pathway (care consumption) the year before and after DFU and the risk of amputation. MethodsWe conducted a study based on a cohort from the SNDS. The data came from a region of France and subjects living with a complication of DFU. We looked at care consumption one year before and one year after wound onset. Risk of amputation was calculated one year after DFU onset. ResultsData were extracted for 6,642 patients. Subjects with DFU had a better prognosis regarding amputation risk when they are taking cardiovascular, antibiotic, neurological, drugs. A consultation with an ophthalmologist was also linked to a better prognosis: HR = 0.71 IC95 (0.499–0.995) (p = 0.04). ConclusionPeople with the best diabetes follow-up, even with several comorbidities, appear to have a better prognosis for their DFU. This highlights the importance of global healthcare and the care pathway in this chronic disease.

A Preliminary Look at the Macrovascular System for Transmetatarsal Amputation Success.

Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is a commonly used level of amputation that preserves most of the foot's function and independence. However, many TMAs fail, and patients go onto higher amputations. The primary endpoint of this study is to determine if source artery occlusions are correlated with TMA flap failure. A total of 82 patients with TMAs were retrospectively reviewed for healing rates between 2009 and 2019 at a single center. Forty-five of the patients had an angiogram, which was analyzed for source artery and overall TMA failure. Of the initial 82 patients, a cohort of 12 had documentation of specific flap failure and an angiogram performed. This cohort of 12 patients was used for correlation of flap failure with source artery occlusion. Overall, the TMA healing rate was 45.28%. No correlation was noted between a specific source artery occlusion and overall TMA failure. However, a moderate positive correlation was seen with dorsalis pedis artery and peroneal artery occlusions and dorsal flap failure. No correlation was seen with the posterior tibial artery and plantar flap failure. A moderate negative correlation was seen with peroneal artery occlusion and plantar flap failure. The authors concluded that retrograde flow through the angiosome principle is what allowed for successful outcomes in TMAs. Physicians are urged to carefully plan, dissect, and preserve these vessels to help prevent TMA flap failure, especially in patients with vascular risk or disease.

Commentary on: High Nonunion and Amputation Rates With Early Intramedullary Nail Removal Versus Retention for Tibial Shaft Fracture-Related Infections.

Orthopaedic Trauma Service Promedical Toledo Hospital, Toledo, Ohio. Corresponding Author: Gregory Minas Georgiadis, MD ProMedica Toledo Hospital Toledo, Ohio UNITED STATES The authors report no conflicts of interest related to this work.

Unraveling shared risk factors for diabetic foot ulcer: a comprehensive Mendelian randomization analysis

IntroductionDiabetic foot ulcer (DFU) stands as a severe diabetic lower extremity complication, characterized by high amputation rates, mortality, and economic burden. We propose using Mendelian randomization studies to explore shared...

Association Between the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)-WIfI (Wound, Ischemia, Foot Infection) Classification, Wagner-Meggitt Classification, and Amputation Rate in Patients With Diabetic Foot Infection.

Diabetic foot infection (DFI) is a common problem in patients with diabetic foot disease. Amputations and other complications of DFI lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)-WIfI (wound, ischemia, and foot infection) classification system can evaluate the benefit from revascularization and the risk of amputation in 1 and 3 years. We aimed to evaluate SVS-WIfI and Wagner-Meggitt (WM) prediction of DFI outcome, and to determine factors associated with major amputation and mortality rate. The patients with diabetes who presented between June 2018 and May 2020 with characteristics suggesting a more serious DFI or potential indications for hospitalization were reviewed in this cohort study. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and type of revascularization were evaluated. One-year and 3-year amputation and mortality rates were the main outcomes. The grading of WM classification and the SVS-WIfI score were compared between amputation and nonamputation groups. Association between mortality and comorbidity were analyzed. One hundred and thirty-one patients admitted with DFI were included in study. And 73.28% had peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The 1-year and 3-year major amputation rates were 16.03% and 26.23%, respectively. Seventy-eight (59.54%) patients required minor amputation to control infection before revascularization. PAD (risk ratio [RR] 1.47: 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-1.67, P = .032), benefit from revascularization clinical stage 3 on SVS-WIfI score (RR 4.56: 95%CI 1.21-17.21, P = 0.007), and high WM classification score (RR 9.46: 95% CI 5.65-15.82, P < 0.001) were associated by multivariate analysis with high amputation rates. 1-year & 3-year amputation risk on SVS-WIfI score were not associated with amputation rates in DFI (P = .263 and .496). Only 9 (6.8%) patients were lost to follow up during the 3-year period. WM classification score, SVS-WIfI score on benefit from revascularization, and PAD were strongly associated with major amputation rates in patients with DFI.

RATIONALE FOR PRESCRIBING ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY IN THE COMPLEX TREATMENT OF PURULENT-NECROTIC COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETIC FOOT SYNDROME

Abstract. This article is based on the study of hemostasis indicators in 25 patients with diabetic foot syndrome. Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) develops against the background of diabetic neuropathy, micro- and macroaniopathy, osteoarthropathy, which lead to frequent traumatization of the soft tissues of the foot, infection with the subsequent development of purulent-necrotic processes on the foot, and in the course of progression leads to high limb amputations. According to the international federation, which deals with the problem of diabetes mellitus (DM), the 21st century is considered a pandemic of DM. It should be noted that the number of patients with diabetes is increasing every year. Patients with diabetes are characterized by an atherothrombotic state caused by multiple disorders in the hemostasis system. Hemostatic disorders in patients with diabetes are complex and include activation of natural mechanisms of the coagulation system, inhibition of fibrinolytic activity, and various platelet dysfunctions.&#x0D; The purpose of the study is to substantiate the appointment of anticoagulation therapy in patients with SDS.&#x0D; Materials and methods. On the basis of KNP KMKL No. 6 in Kyiv in 2023, for a period of 6 months, 69 patients with SDS were treated. The state of indicators of the coagulation link of the hemostasis system in 49 people was studied. At the same time, 26 patients had purulent-necrotic complications of the neuroischemic form of SDS, 23 people were healthy (comparison group). The patients were divided according to the article and age, according to the duration of diabetes mellitus, and according to the stages according to Wagner. The following indicators were determined for patients: prothrombin index (PTI), plasma recalcification time, fibrinogen, B-naphthol test, ethanol test, Willebrand factor, endothelin-1, coagulation factor (VIII), fibronectin.&#x0D; The results of the study and their discussion: Based on the study, 61.5 % of patients with SDS are of working age. Of them, 57.7 % are men, 42.3 % are women. The largest number of patients with SDS is observed in the group of patients who have had diabetes for more than 10 years - 57.7 %, and the largest number of patients with stage III-IV according to Wagner - 88.5 %. In patients with diabetes with neuroischemic form of SDS, the PTI level is increased by 28.8 % and the prothrombin time is shortened by 21 %, which indicates an increase in the activity of external blood clotting mechanisms. An increase in fibrinogen by 29.7 % indicates an increase in the activity of coagulation hemostasis. Willebrand factor increased by 34.5 %, coagulation factor (VIII) increased by 20.3 %, fibronectin increased by 83.01 %, which indicates an increase in aggregation and procoagulant processes, which in turn increases thrombus formation.&#x0D; Conclusion. Thus, with diabetic foot syndrome, hypercoagulation is observed, which leads to an increase in the level of thrombus formation, which justifies the appointment of anticoagulant therapy in the complex treatment of diabetic foot syndrome.

Indications and Outcomes of a Tibial Turn-up Procedure: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Background: Treatment options for distal femoral bone loss resulting from malignancy, infection, or trauma can be grouped into limb salvage techniques versus amputation. A vascularized osteomyocutaneous flap using the ipsilateral tibia—a tibial turn-up procedure—can be used to restore femoral length for high above-knee amputations in both the primary and revision setting. We report 3 patients treated with this procedure. Purpose: To describe the treatment algorithm and functional outcomes of patients who have undergone a tibial turn-up procedure and to highlight its viability when considering surgical options for the treatment of distal femoral primary bone and soft tissue malignancy and in cases of severe trauma, infection, or implant failure. Patients and Methods: Three patients ages 21 to 56 years old treated with tibial turn-up as a salvage procedure for failed limb sparing techniques were followed for 1.5 to 3.5 years postoperatively. One was treated for recalcitrant chronic distal femur osteomyelitis, 1 for aseptic loosening of distal femoral replacement, and 1 for infected distal femoral replacement. Radiographic and functional outcomes including prosthetic use, ambulatory status, and current activity level were reported. Results: At a minimum 1.5-year follow-up, all 3 patients achieved bony union and were ambulatory with prosthetics without the use of additional gait aids. Conclusions: Tibial turn-up is an effective treatment option in the setting of distal femoral bone loss and/or limb salvage complications, providing good functional outcomes with a single durable surgery.

Combined evaluation of blood flow and tissue perfusion in diabetic feet by intra-arterial dynamic 4DCT imaging

Critical limb ischemia is associated with high mortality and major amputations. Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IADSA) has been the reference standard but has some shortcomings including the two-dimensional projection and the lack of tissue perfusion information. The aim of this exploratory study is to examine four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) angiography and perfusion imaging using low-volume intra-arterial contrast injections for an improved anatomic and hemodynamic assessment in patients with foot ulcers. Three patients underwent a low-volume (2 mL) intra-arterial contrast-enhanced 4DCT examination combined with a diagnostic IADSA. An automated assessment of blood flow and tissue perfusion from the 4DCT data was performed. Vascular structures and corresponding blood flows were successfully assessed and correlated well with the IADSA results. Perfusion values of the affected tissue were significantly higher compared to the unaffected tissue. The proposed 4DCT protocol combined with the minimal usage of contrast agent (2 mL) provides superior images compared to IADSA as three phases (arterial, perfusion, and venous) are captured. The obtained parameters could allow for an improved diagnosis of critical limb ischemia as both the proximal vasculature and the extent of the perfusion deficit in the microvasculature can be assessed.Relevance statementIntra-arterial 4DCT allows for assessing three phases (arterial, perfusion and venous) using minimal contrast (2 mL). This method could lead to an improved diagnosis of critical limb ischemia as both proximal vasculature and the extent of the perfusion deficit are assessed.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN95737449. Registered 14 March 2023—retrospectively registered, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN95737449Key points• Three phases (arterial, perfusion, and venous) are obtained from 2 mL intra-arterial 4DCT.• The obtained hemodynamic parameters correlated well with the IADSA findings.• 4DCT surpassed IADSA in terms of assessment of venous blood flow and inflammatory hyperperfusion.• The assessment of tissue perfusion could lead to optimizing the revascularization strategy.Graphical

The comparison of the short and mid-term results of endovascular interventions and bypass graft surgery in the treatment of patients with intermittent claudication complaints because of isolated femoropopliteal artery disease.

Intermittent Claudication (IC) is exercise pain seen in lower extremity arterial diseases. If it is left untreated, it may be the initial sign of a process leading to amputation. In the present study, the purpose was to compare the postoperative early and mid-term results of the patients who were treated with endovascular methods and those who underwent bypass graft surgery in the treatment due to IC complaints because of isolated Femoropopliteal Arterial Disease. Postoperative first-month, sixth-month, and 12th-month follow-up results, procedure requirements, and demographic characteristics of the 153 patients who underwent femoropopliteal bypass because of isolated Femoropopliteal Arterial Disease and 294 patients who underwent endovascular intervention in our hospital between January 2015 and May 2020 were compared in the study. It was found in demographic characteristics that endovascular intervention was performed more frequently in smokers and graft bypass surgery was performed more frequently in hyperlipidemic patients, and the results were found to be statistically significant. High amputation rates were detected at statistically significant levels in diabetic and hypertriglycemic patients and 1-year primary patency rates were found to be higher in patients who underwent graft bypass surgery. No differences were detected between the two methods in terms of mortality. Interventional treatment modalities must be considered for patients with isolated Femoropopliteal Arterial Disease whose symptoms persist despite exercise and the best medical treatment. We think that Bypass Graft Surgery has more positive results than endovascular interventions when short and medium-term amputation, repetitive intervention needs, and changes in quality of life are compared in patients who receive the same medical treatment.

Popliteal Artery Injuries: Incidence, Clinical Patterns and Outcomes (A Single Center Study in Yemen)

Background: Below the inguinal ligament, popliteal artery injuries are the second most frequent arterial injuries in the world. In order to share our experience with complex traumatic popliteal vascular injuries at Al-Thawra Modern General Hospital in Sana’a City- Yemen, we focus on the incidence, initial presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of popliteal artery injuries. Patients and Methods: Over the 3-year period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022, all patients with popliteal artery injuries regardless of their other synchronized injuries were included. By contrast, patients who are managed as popliteal artery injuries by a military care giver at battle field were excluded from our analysis. In the diagnosis of popliteal artery injury, we relied on the physical examination. The main outcome was either patients get complete recovery, partial function loss of the limb, or end with amputation. Results: During study period, an overall incidence of popliteal artery injuries was 0.9%. Of 26 patients with popliteal artery injuries, 25 (96.2%) patients were men, and more than half of our patients (53.8%) were in the age group ≤ 25 years, with an overall mean of age 24.5 ± 5.6 years. The distribution of patients in groups of time delays in treatment of ≤ 6 hours, 6-10 hours and more than 10 hours was 9 (34.6%), 12 (46.2%) and 5 (19.2%) respectively. The mechanisms of injury were penetrating and blunt in 24 (92.3%) and 2 (7.7%) patients respectively. Patients who received a fasciotomy was 25 (96.2%). In our cohort of patients, incidence of amputation was 11.5%, while partial function loss rate was 27%. Conclusion and Recommendations: In our cohort of patients, incidence of popliteal artery injuries was high. Despite technical improvements in management of popliteal artery injury, a high amputation rate is observed in our study. The need for early diagnosis and early referral to definitive care must be emphasized. One of the most important ways to lower the risk of amputation is to shortening the duration of ischemia.

High Nonunion and Amputations Rates With Either Early Intramedullary Nail Removal or Retention for Tibial Shaft Fracture-Related Infections.

To compare debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) and intramedullary nail (IMN) removal with subsequent strategy for fracture stabilization in the treatment of tibia fracture-related infections (FRIs) occurring within 90 days of initial IMN placement. Retrospective case-control. Four academic, Level 1 trauma centers. Sixty-six patients who subsequently received unplanned operative treatment for FRI diagnosed within 90 days of initial tibia IMN. DAIR versus IMN removal pathways. Fracture union. Twenty-eight patients (42.4%) were treated with DAIR and 38 (57.6%) via IMN removal with subsequent strategy for fracture stabilization. Mean follow-up was 16.3 months. At final follow-up, ultimate bone healing was achieved in 75.8% (47/62), whereas 24.2% (15/62) had persistent nonunion or amputation. No significant difference was observed in ultimate bone healing ( P = 0.216) comparing DAIR and IMN removal. Factors associated with persistent nonunion or amputation were time from injury to initial IMN ( P < 0.001), McPherson systemic host grade B ( P = 0.046), and increasing open-fracture grade, with Gustilo-Anderson IIIB/IIIC fractures being the worst ( P = 0.009). Fewer surgeries after initial FRI treatment were positively associated with ultimate bone healing ( P = 0.029). Treatment of FRI within 90 days of tibial IMN with DAIR or IMN removal with subsequent strategy for fracture stabilization results in a high rate, nearly 1 in 4, of persistent nonunion or amputation, with neither appearing superior for improving bone healing outcomes. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.