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Review
. 2024 Jun 5;7(4 Suppl):e306.
doi: 10.1097/OI9.0000000000000306. eCollection 2024 Jun.

The nonsalvageable tibia: amputation and prosthetics

Steven Rivero  1 , Nicole M Stevens  1
Affiliations
Review

The nonsalvageable tibia: amputation and prosthetics

Steven Rivero et al. OTA Int. .

Abstract

Mangled extremities are a challenging problem for the orthopaedic surgeon. The decision for salvage versus amputation is multifactorial. Several work groups have attempted to create scoring systems to guide treatment, but each case must be regarded individually. As surgical technique and prosthetics continue to improve, amputations should be seen as a viable reconstructive option, rather than failure. This article reviews scoring systems for the mangled extremity, outcomes on salvage versus amputation, amputation surgical technique, and prosthetic options.

Keywords: amputation; limb salvage; mangled extremity; mangled limb; tibia fracture.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
A, Initial clinical image of mangled extremity with tibial shaft fracture and associated mangled foot taken urgently to the operating room for guillotine amputation. B, Soft tissue envelope following creative closure with available soft tissues. C, Limb following split-thickness skin graft with incorporation, maintaining 10 cm of tibia for prosthetic placement.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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