Lower Extremity Salvage and Reconstruction

Background and Aims: The present standard of care in treating lower extremity soft tissue sarcomas is function-sparing, limb-preserving resection and reconstruction with or without oncological therapy. The aim of this pilot study was to test the suitability and adequacy of the Finnish translations of two functional outcome questionnaires (Toronto Extremity Salvage Score and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score) and to perform a preliminary investigation of functional outcomes of Finnish lower-limb soft tissue sarcoma patients after operative treatment. Materials and Methods: Between June 2015 and December 2015, consecutive surgically treated outpatients were asked to participate in the study. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and oncological outcome data were collected. Two functional outcome questionnaires were used (Toronto Extremity Salvage Score and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores). A comparative analysis is presented. Results: A total of 19 lower-limb soft tissue sarcoma patients with a mean follow-up time of 2 years and 10 months were included. All (n = 19) invited patients participated in the study. Mean age was 62.3 years. In total, 13 had high-grade sarcomas. Eight wounds were closed directly, four used skin grafts, and five required flap reconstructions. One patient required a tumor prosthesis, and one required a rotationplasty. A total of 14 patients received oncological therapy. No problems or difficulties were reported in using and completing the Finnish versions of the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score or Musculoskeletal Tumor Society questionnaires. The overall Toronto Extremity Salvage Score and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores were 88 and 76, respectively. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that the Finnish versions of the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society questionnaires are suitable for measuring functional outcome after lower extremity soft tissue sarcomas treatment. Functional outcomes vary from moderate to excellent.

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Wound Management and the Utility of Adjunctive Technologies in Diabetic Limb Salvage

10.2310/ps.10107 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Tammer Elmarsafi ◽

John S Steinberg

Keyword(s):

Lower Extremity ◽

Limb Salvage ◽

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy ◽

Arterial Disease ◽

Wound Management ◽

Skin Substitutes ◽

Management Options ◽

Wound Therapy ◽

Peripheral Arterial ◽

Extremity Salvage

As the projected prevalence of diabetes worldwide advances, the need for comprehensive treatments becomes paramount. Diabetes is estimated to afflict over 430 million people by the year 2030. It is without question that complications associated with poorly managed diabetes become a threat to the limbs and lives of this cohort. A targeted, specific, and comprehensive algorithm toward the management of lower extremity pathology related to diabetes is an essential public health endeavor. This review is aimed at addressing three key areas: surgical and adjunctive management options for diabetic lower extremity ulcerations, the challenges of lower extremity salvage, and to provide an introduction to the utility of advanced wound management technologies. An emphasis directed at understanding risks and benefits of each modality is discussed. An analysis of available biologic allografts and skin substitutes will be provided in the context of our working knowledge in regenerative medicine and wound treatments. This review has 5 figures and 45 references Key Words: amputation, biologics, debridement, diabetes, infection, , limb salvage, negative pressure wound therapy, peripheral arterial disease, , ulcer

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