Turn-up Plasty for Salvage of Transtibial Amputations: An Illustrated Description of the Surgical Technique. Issue 4 (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Polfer, Elizabeth M.; Potter, Benjamin K.
• Is Part Of: JBJS case connector. Volume 5:Issue 4(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Orthopedic surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthopedic surgery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.O.00115
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-3251

Abstract

Abstract : Case: We present the operative technique for turn-up plasty with a transtibial amputation in three patients with combat-related open tibial fractures who ultimately required amputation. Unaugmented amputation would have resulted in residual limbs of 7 cm; however, with use of the turn-up plasty technique, resultant limbs averaged 14 cm. All three patients achieved union at the osteosynthesis site and regular ambulation with a below-the-knee prosthesis. Conclusion: Transtibial turn-up plasty for length and level salvage is a sound option to provide robust, sensate soft-tissue coverage with additional osseous length when limb salvage fails and primary amputation would result in either an extremely short transtibial amputation or a more proximal level amputation.