D C Faber1, L P Fielding. 1. Department of Surgery, York Hospital, York, PA 17405, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: When there is doubt about perfusion in the distal part of the leg and around the ankle, an above-knee amputation (AKA) site has been the most commonly selected to assure primary wound healing. METHODS: The Gritti-Stokes amputation (GSA), a modified through-knee amputation, seems to have value for selected patients, according to a literature review and our success in a small group of patients. We have investigated the proportion of patients who have had AKA and who might have been suitable candidates for GSA. RESULTS: In a retrospective study of 66 patients who had had AKA, at least one third could have been considered for a GSA and might have benefitted from this procedure. This suggests that some consideration should be given to the reintroduction of the Gritti-Stokes operation. CONCLUSION: Our expectation is that patients so treated could achieve a high proportion of primary wound healing, an end-bearing stump, and more rapid rehabilitation than found in patients undergoing the classic AKA.
BACKGROUND: When there is doubt about perfusion in the distal part of the leg and around the ankle, an above-knee amputation (AKA) site has been the most commonly selected to assure primary wound healing. METHODS: The Gritti-Stokes amputation (GSA), a modified through-knee amputation, seems to have value for selected patients, according to a literature review and our success in a small group of patients. We have investigated the proportion of patients who have had AKA and who might have been suitable candidates for GSA. RESULTS: In a retrospective study of 66 patients who had had AKA, at least one third could have been considered for a GSA and might have benefitted from this procedure. This suggests that some consideration should be given to the reintroduction of the Gritti-Stokes operation. CONCLUSION: Our expectation is that patients so treated could achieve a high proportion of primary wound healing, an end-bearing stump, and more rapid rehabilitation than found in patients undergoing the classic AKA.