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DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1090618
Eleven-Year Follow-up of Cross-Leg Replantation for Traumatic Bilateral Amputation
Publication History
Publication Date:
21 October 2008 (online)
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ABSTRACT
The advent of microsurgery has allowed the replantation of traumatically amputated limbs. Replantation of a severed limb to the contralateral stump in bilateral traumatic amputation, however, is rarer, and criticisms include a prolonged hospital stay and complications. A 54-year-old man was caught in a paper-pulping machine and suffered bilateral lower limb amputation rendering his left lower leg unsalvageable. The right lower leg, after debridement however, was suitable for replantation to the left stump. This replantation was performed successfully. The patient was rehabilitated with a contralateral prosthesis and ambulates with a walking stick. At 11-year follow-up the patient has a preference for his replanted leg in contrast to his contralateral prosthesis and has suffered no long-term complications. In addition, from a psychological perspective, he has experienced restoration of perceived body length with the cross-leg replantation.
KEYWORDS
Limb replantation - cross-leg replantation - traumatic amputation
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Sophie RickettsM.B.B.S. B.Med.Sci. (Hons.)
33 Leander Street, Footscray
Victoria 3011, Australia
Email: sophie_ricketts@optusnet.com.au