Limb salvage in traumatic hemipelvectomy: case series with surgical management and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic hemipelvectomies are rare and serious injuries. The surgical management was described in several case studies, with primary amputation often performed to save the patient's life. METHODS: We report of two survivors with complete traumatic hemipelvectomy resulting in ischemia and paralyzed lower extremity. Due to modern emergency medicine and reconstructive surgery, limb salvage could be attained. Long-term outcome with quality of life was assessed one year after the initial accident. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The patients were able to mobilize themselves and live an independent life. The extremities remained without function and sensation. Urinary continence and sexual function were present and the colostomy could be relocated in both patients. Both patients support limb salvage, even having difficulties and follow-up treatments. Concomitant cases are required to consolidate the findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Complete avulsion of the heel pad with talar and calcaneal fracture: salvage with multiple K-wire anchorage, internal fixation and free ALT flap.

BACKGROUND: Degloving of the sole of the foot is a rare and serious injury because the heel pad cannot be replaced by similar tissue. The management is challenging and only a few cases have been reported with different treatment regimens. METHODS: Here, we report on a 46-year-old female patient with complex foot trauma consisting of complete avulsion of the heel pad at the hindfoot and a soft tissue defect at the posterior aspect of the heel accompanied by rupture of the anterior tibial tendon and fractures of the talus, calcaneus and midfoot. The sole of the foot was fixed to the calcaneus with multiple temporary Kirschner wires and moist wound dressings. The anterior tibial tendon was sutured. The soft tissue defect at the posterior heel was treated with a free anterolateral thigh flap. The fractures were fixed in staged procedures. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, the patient had a durable soft tissue cover over the heel with full sensation over the sole and a pliable flap over the posterior aspect of the heel. The patient was able to fully bear weight and was pain free during her daily activities in comfortable, custom shoes. All fractures had healed, the talar neck fracture after one revision and bone grafting. The foot was plantigrade and stable with preserved painless but limited range of motion at the ankle, subtalar and mid-tarsal joints. CONCLUSION: The unique tissue at the sole of the foot can be salvaged even in cases of full degloving at the hindfoot with the simple method of anchorage with multiple temporary K-wires. Traumatic defects of the vulnerable skin at the posterior aspect of the heel requires durable coverage with free flap coverage. With staged treatment of all bone and soft tissue injuries, a favorable result can be obtained even in case of a complex foot trauma.

[Ergotamine-induced disorders of the peripheral blood circulation--a case report]. / Ergotamininduzierte periphere Durchblutungsstörungen--Ein Fallbericht.

Ergotism with severe arterial circulatory disorders, sometimes leading to amputation of the leg, is a severe complication following application of drugs containing ergotamine. Often the diagnosis is made by the typical angiographic findings. The history, clinical course and a new treatment in a very severe case is reported.