Limb salvage after subtotal supramalleolar amputation by initial shortening followed by tibial lengthening

Abstract

Background

We present a patient with a subtotal traumatic supramalleolar amputation of the leg, which was initially treated by a vascular reconstruction with deliberate bone and soft-tissue shortening.

Methods

To correct the ensuing complex deformity, which consisted of a varus hindfoot, leg length discrepancy and equinus, a staged reconstruction was planned. Initially, the hindfoot varus, in presence of a stiff ankle, was corrected by a supramalleolar osteotomy, followed by a Wagner distraction and finally a correction of the equinus.

Results

After a relatively long period of normal functioning, she regained painful minimal ankle function, which necessitated ankle fusion and correction of a pronation deformity. At the most recent follow-up 13 years after the injury, the patient is fully functional and has near normal leg length.

Conclusion

Although a mangled lower extremity is often a candidate for primary amputation allowing early rehabilitation, in certain cases a good result can be obtained by a creative strategy.