Transtibial Amputation: Preoperative Vascular Assessment and Functional Outcome

An eight-year retrospective outcomes study of 135 transtibial amputees was undertaken in which patient charts were reviewed and survivors were interviewed. The authors found the anklebrachial index to be of limited value in determining the level of amputation. Transcutaneous oxygen pressure of > 30 mmHg was a good indicator of successful healing, whereas that of 20-30 mmHg warrants further consideration. Ambulatory status after at least six months of follow-up care was found to be dependent on the etiology of limb loss, the state of the other limb, and the general health and age of the patient