Transmetatarsal Amputation Research Articles

6666 Asymptomatic Fasting Hypoglycemia After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Abstract Disclosure: K. Mitrollari: None. H.K. Deveaux: None. A. Gundeti: None. A.P. Calimag: None. T. Yasmeen: None. Introduction: Post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia (PBSH), though previously considered rare, is increasingly recognized, occurring not only after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB,) but also following various bariatric procedures. PBSH can manifest as postprandial or fasting hypoglycemia, requiring thorough investigation and prevention due to potential asymptomatic presentations that may lead to severe consequences, including coma and death. Case Report A 45-year-old female with a history of type 2 DM, ESRD on HD, gastric sleeve surgery, bilateral trans-metatarsal amputations, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure presented with bilateral lower extremity wounds. On admission her venous blood glucose was 71 mg/dL. Glycohemoglobin was 3.9% and fructosamine was 225 (205-285 umol/L). Her glycohemoglobin levels consistently remained below 6.4% status post sleeve gastrectomy off diabetes medications. Throughout admission, she experienced almost daily episodes of fasting asymptomatic hypoglycemia correlated with venous sample with lowest blood glucose reading 38 mg/dL. Initially, these episodes were attributed to NPO status for procedures or decreased PO intake. Her diet consisted of fast food brought by her family, which she reported was similar to her diet at home. Workup during a hypoglycemic episode (glucose 51 mg/dL,) revealed insulin 4 mUnits/L, proinsulin 7.1 pmol/L (<=7.2 pmol/L), C-peptide 25.7 ng/mL (0.8-3.9 ng/mL), and beta-hydroxybutyrate 0.5 mmol/L (0.0-0.3 mmol/L). Negative insulin antibodies and sulfonylurea panel, normal cortisol, and ACTH levels were noted. The patient was placed on a 10% dextrose infusion to avoid further episodes of hypoglycemia. However, she continued to experience hypoglycemia and was started on oral diazoxide. A CT pancreas with and without contrast was unremarkable, and endoscopic ultrasonography only revealed a 10 mm accessory spleen. The patient was discharged with counseling on glucose monitoring, dietary changes, and follow-up with endocrinology. Conclusion: PBSH should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with unexplained hypoglycemia and a history of bariatric surgery. PBSH mimics insulinoma or non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome (NIPHS) with elevated insulin, proinsulin, C-peptide, and low beta-hydroxybutyrate during hypoglycemia, however NIPHS is exclusive to non-bariatric patients. Imaging is crucial to rule out insulinoma, and invasive tests such as endoscopic ultrasound aid diagnosis. PBSH is a diagnosis of exclusion; therefore, workup involves ruling out other causes of hypoglycemia. First-line treatment involves diet modification, with medications like diazoxide or acarbose considered if dietary changes prove insufficient. This case underscores the complexity of hypoglycemia, implicating bariatric surgery as a contributing factor. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Utility of synthetic electrospun fiber matrix in general surgery: From head to toe

BackgroundTo highlight the role of a novel synthetic electrospun fiber matrix in the treatment of high-risk wounds across a range of etiologies. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients at a single institution who underwent complex wound care treatment with at least 1 application of the electrospun fiber matrix from January 2021 to December 2022. Information regarding patient demographics, wound size and etiologies, pertinent medical history, and treatment outcomes was collected. ResultsTwenty-one patients with 24 complex wounds who received synthetic electrospun fiber matrix treatment were identified. Nineteen patients (22 wounds) met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Patient mean age was 63.58 ± 15.20 (range 34–90) years. A wide range of wound etiologies was represented, including transmetatarsal amputation secondary to frostbite (n = 1), post-Mohs defect (n = 2), acute trauma (n = 3), surgical dehiscence (n = 3), infected implanted medical device (n = 2), chronic ulcers (n = 3), partial ray resection (n = 1), pilonidal cyst (n = 1), rattlesnake bite (n = 1), necrotizing soft-tissue infection (n = 1), and others (n = 2). A total of 17 of 19 (89.5%) patients were observed to meet their individual clinical goals after application of the wound matrix. Wound ages ranged from 1 to 429 days before initial synthetic electrospun fiber matrix application. ConclusionThe synthetic nature of the matrix limits the risk of inflammatory response and is well tolerated, which demonstrates initial proof of concept of synthetic electrospun fiber matrix treatment in a variety of complex wounds. The positive results observed across this mixed etiology surgical analysis should be replicated in future controlled, single-etiology studies to further confirm the utility of the electrospun fiber matrix in the surgical setting.

Above-ankle Reamputation and Mortality following Transmetatarsal Amputation in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Peripheral Artery Disease

The risk of above-ankle reamputation following a transmetatarsal amputation is around 30%. Patient selection may be crucial to achieve good outcomes, and to avoid futile operations and suffering. We are aware of no previous comparison between the two largest patient groups that undergo lower extremity amputations: patients with diabetes, and patients with non-diabetic peripheral artery disease. Patients with diabetes or non-diabetic peripheral artery disease who had undergone a transmetatarsal amputation from 2004 through 2018 at our institution were included. Patient characteristics and peri-operative details were analyzed retrospectively. Subjects with diabetes were compared with subjects with non-diabetic peripheral artery disease regarding above-ankle reamputation, reamputation level, and mortality. Five-hundred-and-sixty transmetatarsal amputations in 513 subjects were included. The majority of transmetatarsal amputations (86%) occurred in diabetic subjects. Subjects with non-diabetic PAD had a higher risk of above-ankle reamputation (p = .008), and death (p < .001). At the time of data collection, only multiple-ray amputation (vs. single-ray) was an independent risk factor for above-ankle reamputation. Only age, medical comorbidity in general, and chronic heart failure were independent risk factors of death. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report marked differences in above-ankle reamputation rates and mortality following transmetatarsal amputation, comparing diabetics with non-diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease. However, the differences may be attributed to non-diabetics being older, having more medical comorbidities, and having more advanced foot ulcers at the time of transmetatarsal amputation. In patients exhibiting several of these risk factors, transmetatarsal amputation may be futile. Level of Clinical EvidencePrognostic Level 2: Retrospective study.

OUTCOME OF TRANSMETATARSAL AMPUTATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY FOOT CARE SERVICE APPROACH

AimThis retrospective case series reports the reoperation, major amputation, survival rates and mobility status in diabetic patients who underwent a trans-metatarsal amputation (TMA) managed within a multi-disciplinary diabetic foot care service.Methods and patientsForty-one consecutive patients (37 men, 4 women) underwent a TMA between January 2008 to December 2017. They were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age at the time of surgery was 63 years (range 39 – 92).ResultsEighty-eight per cent (36/41) of the patients were followed-up. Four (11%) of the 36 patients required reoperation, including three major amputations (8%). All the patients requiring a reoperation were vasculopaths. The four-year patient survival rate following a TMA was 69% (25/36). Ninety-six per cent (21/22) of the surviving patients not requiring revision to a major amputation were fully mobile in bespoke orthoses, of whom a third required a stick.ConclusionThis study shows that transmetatarsal amputation in patients with diabetes, managed in a multi-disciplinary diabetic foot care service, is effective for limb salvage.

Pedal medial arterial calcification influences the outcomes of isolated infra-malleolar interventions for chronic limb-threatening ischemia

ObjectiveInframalleolar disease is present in most diabetic patients presenting with tissue loss. Inframalleolar (pedal) artery disease and pedal medial arterial calcification (pMAC) are associated with major amputation in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). This study aimed to examine the impact of pMAC on the outcomes after isolated inframalleolar (pedal artery) interventions. MethodsA database of lower extremity endovascular intervention for patients with tissue loss between 2007 and 2022 was retrospectively queried. Patients with CLTI were selected, and those undergoing isolated inframalleolar intervention on the dorsalis pedis and medial and lateral tarsal arteries and who had foot x-rays were identified. X-rays were assessed blindly for pMAC and scored on a scale of 0 to 5. Patients with concomitant superficial femoral artery and tibial interventions were excluded. Intention to treat analysis by the patient was performed. Amputation-free survival (survival without major amputation) was evaluated. ResultsA total of 223 patients (51% female; 87% Hispanic; average age, 66 years; 323 vessels) underwent isolated infra-malleolar intervention for tissue loss. All patients had diabetes, 96% had hypertension, 79% had hyperlipidemia, and 63% had chronic renal insufficiency (55% of these were on hemodialysis). Most of the patients had Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) stage 3 disease and had various stages of pMAC: severe (score = 5) in 48%, moderate (score = 2-4) in 31%, and mild (score = 0-1) in 21% of the patients. Technical success was 94%, with a median of one vessel treated per patient. All failures were in severe pMAC. Overall, major adverse cardiovascular events was 0.9% at 90 days after the procedure. Following the intervention, most patients underwent a planned forefoot amputation (single digit, multiple digits, ray amputation, or trans-metatarsal amputation). WIfI ischemic grade was improved by 51%. Wound healing at 3 months was 69%. Those not healing underwent below-knee amputations. The overall 5-year amputation-free survival rate was 35% ± 9%. The severity of pMAC was associated with decreased AFS. ConclusionsIncreasing severity of pMAC influences the technical and long-term outcomes of infra-malleolar intervention in diabetes. Severe pMAC is associated with amputation and should be considered as a variable in the shared decision-making of diabetic patients with CLTI.

Surgical Treatment of Post-Amputation Foot Deformations in Diabetic Neuropathy

Relevance The number of amputations performed on patients with diabetic foot syndrome is increasing all over the world. Almost half of these operations are the so-called “minor amputations” carried out within the foot. The high recurrence rate of neuropathic ulcers, impaired biomechanics, and a decrease in the quality of life of patients after these surgeries encourage the study of this problem and the search for possible treatment options due to the capabilities of surgical treatment for post-amputation foot deformities.Aim of study To evaluate the nature of surgical interventions for post-amputation foot deformities in patients with diabetic neuropathy.Material and methods The literature search was carried out in the databases of medical publications PubMed, CyberLeninka, Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, eLIBRARY among articles in English and Russian. The search was performed using the following terms: transmetatarsal resection, diabetic foot syndrome, transmetatarsal amputation, minor amputation.Results Surgical treatment methods for deformities after amputation of part of the forefoot are widely presented in the world literature and are more studied. The possibilities of correcting foot deformities that occurred after amputation of the entire anterior section (from transmetatarsal amputation to the level of the Chopart`s joint) are less covered, this direction and methods have been studied to a lesser extent.Conclusions Surgical methods for the correction of post-amputation foot deformities have firmly entered the wide international practice. Their effectiveness is confirmed by studies with a high level of evidence. Nevertheless, a wider, academic research of the problem of orthopedic status in patients with this pathology and the corresponding methods of surgical treatment is required.

Optional management of failed endovascular intervention for infrainguinal arterial occlusive disease

Introduction Endovascular treatment is increasingly chosen as the first option for treating infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease. Although open surgical bypass provides the most durable option for limb salvage, it has substantial morbidity and mortality. Aim The aim of the study is to determine the causes of failure of endovascular intervention and treatment modalities of failed endovascular intervention and results of each modality. Patients and methods A prospective case series study that addresses the outcomes of managing 40 patients with chronic limb ischemia due to femoropopliteal disease treated by endovascular intervention, and the intervention was failed. Causes of failure within 30 days were analyzed. Results We had 13 (27.5%) females and 27 (72.5%) males; their age ranged from 45 to 77 years with a mean of 62.20±7.44. Presentation with rest pain: three (7.5%) patients, minor tissue loss: 18 (45%) patients, major tissue loss: 19 (47.5%) patients the length of lesion was between 5 and 10 cm in three (7.5%) patients and more than 10 cm in 37 (92.5%) patients. Runoff in anterior tibial artery: 23 (57.5%) patients, posterior tibial artery: 19 (47.5%) patients, and peroneal artery: 15 (37.5%) patients. We had no complications in 26 (65%) patients, failure to pass in 12 (30%) patients, and distal embolization in two (5%) patients as intraprocedural complications. During the 30-day follow-up: Acute stent thrombosis in 7 (17.5%) cases, flow-limiting dissection in 8 (20%) cases, residual stenosis in 3 (7.5%) cases, acute thrombosis in 2 (5%) cases, missed iliac lesions in 2 (5%) cases, post-procedural distal arterial tree embolization in 2 (5%) cases, and clinical failure was the cause in 2 (5%) cases. The management was: Redo endovascular in 18 (45%) patients, surgical bypass in 14 (35%) patients, primary amputation in six (15%) patients, and medical treatment in two (5%) patients. After 6 months follow-up limb salvage was in 57.5% of the cases with transmetatarsal amputation in 69.6% of them and major amputation was in 42.5% of the cases Conclusion Failed endovascular intervention procedures within 30 days were associated mainly with long lesions. So, surgical bypass appeared to be superior to endovascular intervention for long lesions. Improvements in endovascular equipment and angioplasty technique might ultimately improve the outcome results and decrease the failure rate of endovascular interventions

Rate and Location of Reulceration and Reamputation After Partial First-Ray Amputation versus Hallux Amputation in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Populations.

We sought to determine the rates of reulceration and reamputation in individuals who underwent partial first-ray amputations versus hallux amputations in diabetic and nondiabetic populations. Eighty-four amputations were reviewed in a retrospective fashion. A retrospective medical record review was performed to determine patients who underwent a hallux amputation, both partial and complete, and patients who underwent a partial first-ray amputation. Only patients from 2007 to 2019 were reviewed. The reulceration rate of hallux amputations was 61% compared with a partial first-ray amputation reulceration rate of 74%. The reamputation rate of hallux amputation versus partial first-ray amputation was 43% versus 51%. At final follow-up, it was statistically significant that patients who underwent hallux amputation were more likely to be healed than those who underwent partial first-ray amputation, regardless of reulceration or reamputation. In addition, patients who underwent hallux amputation went on to digital amputation, and those who underwent partial first-ray amputation went on to transmetatarsal amputation. Comparing partial first-ray amputation to hallux amputation, hallux amputation patients are more prone to subsequent digital ulceration. Patients who initially undergo hallux amputation have variable subsequent amputations, often digital. Reulceration primarily occurs at the incision site for partial first-ray amputations, with a higher likelihood of subsequent transmetatarsal amputation. Patients with a medical history of diabetes and staged procedures are more likely to receive partial first-ray amputations. However, hallux amputation patients have a lower risk of reulceration and reamputation, regardless of subsequent events. These findings underscore the importance of discussing risks and preventive measures with patients undergoing such amputations, emphasizing postoperative examinations for specific areas of concern. Hallux amputation appears to offer greater protection against reulceration and reamputation for both diabetic and nondiabetic populations.

Association of Demographic Characteristics and Laboratory Values in Diabetic Foot Infections Leading to Lower-Extremity Amputation.

Lower-extremity amputations are a common complication of poorly controlled diabetes and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. We sought to determine whether objective data points obtained on presentation or hospital admission, including white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), and descriptive patient demographics allow for the ability to predict optimal amputation levels and outcomes of lower-extremity amputation in the diabetic population. A retrospective analysis of 162 patients was performed evaluating laboratory and descriptive values on hospital presentation for lower-extremity infection during a 16-year period. Occurrence of multiple amputations and level of amputation were assessed against laboratory values to determine whether these objective values would provide clinicians with a better understanding of amputations in the diabetic patient. The mean patient age was 60.6 years. A significantly higher percentage of patients who underwent amputations through the tibia and fibula or of the foot midtarsal were male compared with patients who underwent amputations of the thigh through femur. Patients who had amputations through the tibia and fibula had a significantly higher WBC count compared with patients who had a transmetatarsal amputation (P = .03). There was no significant difference in type or quantity of amputations when analyzing HbA1c and CRP levels. An admission WBC count may be used as a predictor of lower-extremity amputation level and outcomes in diabetic infections. Although a statistically significant difference was not found for CRP or HbA1c levels between amputation procedures and number of procedures performed, these values remain useful in managing lower-extremity infections in diabetic patients.

Postoperative Opioid-Prescribing Practice in Limb Preservation Surgery.

Limb preservation surgery affects more than 100,000 Americans annually. Current postoperative pain management prescribing practices of podiatric physicians in the United States are understudied. We examined prescribing practices for limb preservation surgery to identify prescriber characteristics' that may be associated with postoperative opioid-prescribing practices. We administered an anonymous online questionnaire consisting of five patient scenarios with limb preservation surgery commonly performed by podiatric physicians. Respondents provided information about their prescription choice for each surgery. Basic provider demographics were collected. We developed linear regression models to identify the strength and direction of association between prescriber characteristics and quantity of postoperative opioid "pills" (dosage units) prescribed at surgery. Logistic regression models were used to identify the odds of prescribing opioids for each scenario. One hundred fifteen podiatric physicians completed the survey. Podiatric physicians reported using regional nerve blocks 70% to 88% of the time and prescribing opioids 43% to 67% of the time across all scenarios. Opioids were more commonly prescribed than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anticonvulsants. Practicing in the Northeast United States was a significant variable in linear regression (P = .009, a decrease of 9-10 dosage units) and logistic regression (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.68; P = .008) models for the transmetatarsal amputation scenario. Prescribing practice variation exists in limb preservation surgery by region. Podiatric physicians reported using preoperative regional nerve blocks more than prescribing postoperative opioids for limb preservation surgeries. Through excess opioid prescribing, the diabetes pandemic has likely contributed to the US opioid epidemic. Podiatric physicians stand at the intersection of these two public health crises and are equipped to reduce their impact via preventive foot care and prescribing nonopioid analgesics when warranted.

Healing rates and outcomes following closed transmetatarsal amputations: A systematic review and random effects meta-analysis of proportions.

Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is a common surgical procedure for addressing severe forefoot pathologies, such as peripheral vascular disease and diabetic foot infections. Variability in research methodologies and findings within the existing literature has hindered a comprehensive understanding of healing rates and complications following TMA. This meta-analysis and systematic review aims to consolidate available evidence, synthesising data from multiple studies to assess healing rates and complications associated with closed TMA procedures. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted for articles published from January 1st, 1988, to June 1st, 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting healing rates in non-traumatic transmetatarsal amputation patients with more than 10 participants, excluding open TMAs. Two independent reviewers selected relevant studies, with disagreements resolved through discussion. Data extracted from eligible studies included patient demographics, healing rates, complications, and study quality. Among 22 studies encompassing 1569 transmetatarsal amputations, the pooled healing rate was 67.3%. Major amputation rates ranged from 0% to 55.6%, with a random-effects pooled rate of 23.9%. Revision rates varied from 0% to 36.4%, resulting in a pooled rate of 14.8%. 30-day mortality ranged from 0% to 9%, with a fixed-effects pooled rate of 2.6%. Post-operative infection rates ranged from 3.0% to 30.7%, yielding a random-effects pooled rate of 16.7%. Dehiscence rates ranged from 1.7% to 60.0%, resulting in a random-effects pooled rate of 28.8%. Future studies should aim for standardised reporting and assess the physiological and treatment factors influencing healing and complications.

Femoro-popliteal Artery Bypass and Transmetatarsal Amputation Followed by Delayed Forefoot Flap

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a severe blockage in the arteries of the lower extremities, which markedly reduces blood-flow. It is a serious form of peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, but less common than claudication. PAD is caused by atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of the arteries over time due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. CLI is a chronic condition that results in severe pain in the feet or toes, even while resting. Complications of poor circulation can include sores and wounds that won't heal in the legs and feet. Left untreated, the complications of CLI will result in amputation of the affected limb. The authors present a patient with CLI, and a left forefoot gangrene treated with multi-stage operations (femoro-popliteal arterial bypass, transmetatarsal amputation and delayed forefoot free-flap) with good results.

Single Center Outcomes of Percutaneous Deep Vein Arterialization in Patients with End-Stage Peripheral Artery Disease.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can present as chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) with ischemic pain and tissue loss. Progression of distal disease can lead to a "no option" or end-stage disease without traditional open or endovascular revascularization due to lack of pedal targets. Innovations in endovascular technology allow for the use of percutaneous deep vein arterialization (pDVA) to treat patients with CLTI. Purpose: We describe our experience and technique for treating four patients with end-stage PAD with pDVA. Research Design: Four patients with end-stage PAD were followed during and after pDVA creation. Technical success, complications, wound healing, and freedom from major amputation were analyzed. Data Collection and Analysis: Patient data and outcomes were collected via chart review and at time of follow up appointments in vascular surgery clinic. Results: Technical success was 100%, without post-procedural complications, and patients were continued on antiplatelet and anticoagulation. Three patients (75%) had successful wound healing, with 2 patients healing after transmetatarsal amputation (TMA), and 1 healing a distal foot ulceration that did not require surgery. One patient had worsening ischemic breakdown of a TMA, despite re-intervention on the pDVA, which required a below knee amputation (BKA). Freedom from major amputation was 75% overall, with an average follow-up time of 410 days post-procedure (Range: 113-563 days). Conclusions: Percutaneous deep vein arterialization attempts to provide blood flow to the preserved venous bed in patients with end-stage PAD. Exploration and utilization of this technique continues to expand in the modern vascular era. This case series highlights 4 patients with end-stage PVD who underwent pDVA, with 100% procedural success, and 75% limb salvage rate.

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.

Morbidity and Mortality of the Transmetatarsal Amputation: A Comparative NSQIP Analysis

The objective of this investigation was to compare the morbidity and mortality of transmetatarsal amputation to other frequently performed surgical procedures utilizing a large US database. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was interrogated for the purposes of this investigation. We initially extracted data related to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 28805 (amputation, foot; transmetatarsal) and the variable labels “estimated probability of morbidity” and “estimated probability of mortality.” We subsequently performed a CPT code search for those procedures occurring at a frequency greater than 10,000 in the database, and additionally extracted data for estimated probability of morbidity and estimated probability of mortality for these procedures. This resulted in identification of 17 additional procedures. CPT code 28805 was associated with the highest estimated probability of morbidity of the cohort (0.1360 ± 0.0669), and this demonstrated statistical significance higher than all other CPT codes (p < .001). CPT code 28805 was associated with the second-highest estimated probability of mortality of the cohort (0.0327 ± 0.0596). This demonstrated statistical significance less than that of CPT code 27245 (0.0327 ± 0.0596 vs 0.0547 ± 0.0661; p < .0001), but statistical significance higher than all other CPT codes (p<0.001). The results of this investigation indicate that transmetatarsal amputation carries a substantial risk for morbidity and mortality in comparison to other commonly performed surgical procedures.

The Footprint of Mortality: Outcome Analysis in Charcot Neuroarthropathy Patients Who Underwent Multiple Surgical Procedures

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is a progressive degenerative disease that most commonly manifests in the foot and ankle as a result of peripheral neuroarthropathy. Primary treatment is typically management of disease progression, however, surgical procedures including arthrodesis, exostectomy, and amputation may be indicated for more refractory cases. Our prior research analyzed a subset of the current sample to evaluate patients who underwent multiple surgical procedures to manage their CN, identifying amputation to be associated with the highest all-cause mortality rate. The purpose of this study is to analyze demographic data and mortality rates from a larger sample of patients with an emphasis on the mortality associated with procedure order and type in patients who underwent multiple procedures in the management of their CN. Methods: Following IRB approval, a database of all patients at a single institution from 1/1/2000 to 1/31/2022 with CPT and ICD codes indicating a diagnosis of Charcot foot of the lower extremity who underwent amputation, exostectomy, and/or arthrodesis was created from the electronic health record. Only patients who underwent multiple procedures in the treatment of their CN were included in the study. Amputation was further classified as major (transmetatarsal amputation or above) or minor (below the metatarsal level or a single toe at the metatarsal level). Demographics including age, sex, race, and insurance status were recorded in addition to all-cause mortality rates for each procedure type and all-cause mortality rates relative to procedure order. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for homogeneity were conducted for analysis. One patient, identified as an outlier, had 13 procedures, and was excluded so as to not distort the statistical analysis. Results: A total of 700 individual patients who underwent at least 2 procedures were included in this study, with a total of 1902 procedures performed of which 363, 651, 459, and 429 were completed for major amputation, minor amputation, exostectomy, and arthrodesis respectively. Figure 1A describes the baseline characteristics of patients who underwent each procedure. The all- cause mortality rate remained the lowest in arthrodesis patients, regardless of the order in which it was performed. Furthermore, patients who underwent either arthrodesis or exostectomy at any point in their procedure sequence had an absolute risk reduction in all-cause mortality of 42.5% and 21.1% respectively, while both amputation groups had an absolute risk increase in all- cause mortality of 46.0% (minor) and 48.3% (major). Conclusion: For patients who underwent multiple procedures to manage their CN, those who underwent arthrodesis at any point during their procedure sequence showed the trend of having the lowest all-cause mortality rates (Figure 1D). This may indicate that early anatomic correction through arthrodesis could lead to improved mortality in Charcot patients. Figure 1E describes the significantly increased (p &lt; 0.001) mortality rates associated with both amputation groups, which further highlights the importance of early intervention and management of disease progression. Future research should aim to develop surgical treatment guidelines based on disease progression to continue to minimize mortality rates.

The Opportunity for Impactful Integration of Vascular and Podiatric Care.

The importance of collaboration between vascular and podiatric surgeons has been well-established. High-level partnerships are integral to the development of multidisciplinary programs and wound care centers, ultimately resulting in improved patient outcomes. This vascular-podiatric integration is not universal, however, and podiatric surgery may not be aligned within a vascular surgery division at many institutions. As one such institution, we reviewed our single-center experience in order to identify opportunities for the impactful integration of vascular-podiatric patient care. Institutional electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all procedures performed by vascular surgeons at a high volume, safety-net academic medical center. Data were collected on all primary and additional procedures, current procedural terminology (CPT) codes, case type (elective, urgent, emergent), surgeon specialty, and date/time of the procedures performed. CPT codes were linked to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Physician Fee Schedule to estimate the work relative value unit (wRVU) per procedure. From 2018 to 2022, vascular surgeons performed a total of 12,206 operations, of which 1102 (9.9%) involved podiatric procedures. The most common vascular-performed podiatry procedures performed were toe amputations (38.1%, n = 420), transmetatarsal foot amputations (20.1%, n = 222), and ankle/foot debridement (16.2%, n = 178). Foot/ankle-specific procedures were identified as the primary procedure in 726 (65.9%) cases and as the adjunct procedure in 376 (34.1%) cases. A substantial proportion of podiatric procedures occurred on an urgent (n = 278, 25.2%) or emergent (n = 28, 2.5%) basis. A total of 163 (14.8%) cases occurred after hours (either before 0600 or after 1800), and 133 (12.1%) cases were performed on a holiday or weekend. Procedure-specific revenue included 4243.39 wRVU for primary procedures and 2108.08 wRVU for additional procedures performed. We report our single-center experience in which vascular surgeons provide a significant proportion of podiatric procedures. Our study underscores the potential for integrating podiatric surgeons within a vascular surgical division and presents opportunities for collaboration and enhanced patient care.

Evaluation of Risk Factors for Progression of Proximal Limb Loss After Transmetatarsal Amputation

Evaluation of Risk Factors for Progression of Proximal Limb Loss After Transmetatarsal Amputation

30-Day Readmission Following Outpatient Transmetatarsal Amputation in the Geriatric Population: An ACS NSQIP Analysis

Whether secondary to deformity, traumatic injury, infection, neoplasm, or ischemic disease, the transmetatarsal amputation provides a functional means of limb preservation prior to major proximal amputation. With similar readmission rates following inpatient and outpatient surgery, prevention of an unnecessary admission among vulnerable patients, specifically geriatrics, proves beneficial. This investigation examines differences among geriatric patients admitted and not requiring readmission following outpatient transmetatarsal amputation. An ACS NSQIP database analysis following filtering for CPT 28805, specific for transmetatarsal amputations, was performed among geriatric patients. Patient demographic, medical history, operative characteristics, and social/functional determinants were compared between the no admission and readmission cohorts. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05. Overall, a 19% readmission rate was reported among geriatric patients who underwent an outpatient transmetatarsal amputation. No statistically significant difference among patient demographics, past medical history, or surgical presentation was found between cohorts. Geriatric patients that maintained some level of functional dependence were 3.41 times more likely to be readmitted than the nonreadmission cohort (p=.006). Among geriatric patients undergoing outpatient transmetatarsal amputation, function status should be taken into account prior to surgery. Greater consideration should also be given to patients who do not maintain independence during their activities of daily living. As the population continues to age, recognizing social circumstances associated with the geriatric population proves important in preventing readmission.

Success of transmetatarsal amputation for limb salvage in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Limb salvage is a difficult path for patients to travel as there is no guarantee of the outcome, often the major factor is perfusion. For patients who underwent transmetatarsal amputation (TMA), success rate is crucial as the next option is most likely a major amputation. We performed a 10 years (2010-2020) retrospective review of patients that underwent a TMA and had an angiogram or computed tomography angiography (CTA) perioperatively at the Dallas VA Medical Center. Failure after TMA was defined as a patient requiring a proximal amputation within 1 year. There were 125 TMAs performed between 2010 and 2020 at the institution. Forty-four (35.2%) patients had an angiogram/CTA peri-operative and met the inclusion criteria. Seventeen subjects (38.6%) had a higher level of amputation. Of the 17 failures, 2 (11.8%) patients had no patent vessel runoff to the foot, 9 (52.9%) had one vessel, 4 (23.5%) had two vessels, and 2 (11.8%) had three vessels runoff. One vessel runoff to the foot yielded a high rate of poor outcomes (56.3%) defined as a higher level of amputation. Two or more vessels runoff to the foot had over 75% success of limb salvage with a TMA.