Risk Factors for Failed Healing in Amputation for Vacscular Obstructive Diseases in Lower Extremity

Jahng, Jun Seop; Kim, Hyun Woo; Shin, Kyoo Ho; Kang, Ji Ho

Abstract

We examined the factors which may serve as predictors of success or failure of amputation in lower extremity for vascular obstructive diseases in 52 consecutive patients who were treated at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Yonsei Cardiovascular Center from January 1st, 1990 to December 31st, 1994. The minimum follow up period was 10 months. The population was divided into two groups, group of success of primary amputation and group of failure. The results were as follows, male and female ratio was 42:10 and the average age was 57.5 years old. Among total 52 cases, there were 22 cases of arteriosclerosis obliterans, 15 cases of Buerger's diseases, 12 cases of vasculitis, 3 cases of acute arterial embolism. Complications after primary amputation included 9 cases of superficial wound infections, 7 cases of marginal wound necroses. Sixteen cases belonged to the group in which reamputation were performed because of intractable poor wound healing. Preoperative value of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum albumin and serum creatinine which had been generally known as prognostic factors in wound healing were not related to the necessity of reamputation (Multivariate Regression Test, P>0.05). And also age, blood pressure and smoking history and level of amputation didn't show any difference between two groups but existence of lower extremity infection and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus were related to the prognosis of reamputation (Multivariate Regression Test, P<0.05).