Case for small group discussion Complex foot trauma Case for small group discussion AOTrauma—Foot & Ankle Module 6: Soft-tissue trauma Stefan Rammelt and Hans Zwipp, DE
Case description 24-year-old man Foot run over by a car No sensation in the forefoot No pulses
1-year follow-up 2 cm shortening Return to work within 4 months
Bellmann forefooot prosthesis
Take-home messages Criteria for acute amputation: Dangerous (threatening infection) Dead (severe circulatory compromise) Denervated (useless, floppy, complete loss of sensation) Dysfunctional (loss of muscles and tendons) Loss of plantar tissue (irreplaceable)
Take-home messages Amputation is reconstructive surgery Amputation is not a failure of treatment Early decision making and communication is essential