Long-term efficacy of replanlation vesus prosthetic replacement for complex severed lower legs

Objective To explore indications for replantation and amputation of complex severed lower legs. Methods Fifteen lower legs in 25 cases with complex severed lower limbs were replanted including four finally amputated again, and other 10 legs were amputated directly after trauma. Those with successful replantation were repaired with microsurgical technology and limb lengthening procedure for complications such as soft tissue defect, bone defect and limb shortening. The amputated cases were fitted with prosthetic limb after wound healing. Results All cases were followed-up for three to 10 years (6.4 years in average), and 11 lower legs were survived in 15 replanted cases and other four were finally amputated and fitted with prosthetic replacement. The limbs of those with successfully replantation shortened to varied extent, and one can be categorized as grade Ⅰ, four as grade Ⅱ, four as grade Ⅲ and two as grade Ⅳ, according to Chen's classification of function evaluation for replanted limbs. Appearance of prosthetic limbs in 14 cases had no significant difference from the normal, and 12 of them could walk with load and two had slight claudication. Those with prosthetic limbs were more satisfactory than those with replantation of the limbs. Conclusion Replantation for complex severed lower legs should be comprehensively considered based on mangled extremity severity score (MESS), their local condition and function prognosis. Key words: Leg injuries;  Surgical procedures;  Fractures,open;  Artificial limbs