Abstract
Metallic prostheses used for joint reconstruction or open reduction of fractures were discovered pre- or intraoperatively during the performance of six above-knee amputations. The prosthesis was found fortuitously before surgery in two cases on the basis of a surgical scar or radiograph of the leg. In four patients, discovery occurred intraoperatively, with adverse impact on the procedure in two cases: more proximal amputation level to allow hip nail removal was necessary in one case, and difficult transection of the prosthesis stem was encountered in one case. Orthopedic prostheses will be found with an increasing incidence in the population undergoing major amputation. As preparation for amputation, a careful review of the patient's history, a search for scars over the leg and hip, and survey radiographs of the leg must be obtained to prevent a surgical mishap caused by accidental discovery of a prosthesis.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
MCAULEY JP, GOW KV, COVERT A, et al. Analysis of a lane-plate internal fixation device after 64 years in vivo.Can J Surg 1987;30:424–427.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Kaufman, J.L., Glockner, F., Chang, B.B. et al. Impact of the presence of orthopedic hardware on technical performance of major amputations. Annals of Vascular Surgery 4, 356–358 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02000499
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02000499