Project description:PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the quality of evidence to stratify recommendations for chemoprophylaxis following distal lower extremity trauma.MethodsLiterature review identified primary studies investigating venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis following traumatic injury distal to the knee. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials in adult patients treated with and without operative intervention. Each primary study was assessed by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 checklist and Modified Coleman methodology score.ResultsLiterature review resulted in 462 studies, of which 9 met inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies included low molecular weight heparin as a treatment group with 2 (22%) also including a treatment group with a direct factor Xa inhibitor. Five studies (56%) used placebo as a control group. The mean Modified Coleman Methodology score was 63% (range 51%-72%), a categorical rating of Fair. The mean Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials score was 78% (range 56%-97%). Most studies (89%) screened all asymptomatic subjects for deep venous thrombosis. Statistical significance in VTE incidence among prophylactic treatment groups was not achieved in 78%.ConclusionsDevelopment of consensus for VTE prophylaxis recommendations following traumatic injury distal to the knee is complicated by heterogenous study populations, low incidence of VTE in study populations, and inconsistent definitions of clinically important VTE. Low molecular weight heparin is not consistently superior for preventing VTE. Chemoprophylaxis should be considered on an individual basis in the presence of additional risk factors, although an externally validated, evidence-based risk assessment tool does not currently exist.Level of Evidence: IV, therapeutic.
Project description:BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) causes morbidity and mortality in the general population. Several events occur after lower limb orthopedic surgery, but the contribution from various types of lower limb surgery is not well known.ObjectiveTo investigate the postoperative incidence of VTE for all types of lower extremity orthopedic surgery compared with the background population.MethodsIndividual-level linkage of Danish nationwide register data for all Danish residents with first-time orthopedic surgery of the lower limb (1996-2017) and, for each of these, four controls from the general population matched on age, sex, and history of VTE. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) compared the postoperative risk of VTE to the matched controls.ResultsIn total 7203 of the 1 012 823 patients with a first orthopedic procedure had a VTE within 180 days after surgery, corresponding to a postoperative cumulative incidence of 0.71% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-0.73). The cumulative incidence of VTE among controls was 0.11% (95% CI, 0.11-0.12). The HR of VTE within the first 30 days after surgery below knee level was 20.5 (95% CI, 17.9-23.5) compared with matched controls. The HRs of VTE after minor distal procedures (eg, meniscectomy and arthroscopies) were 2.9 (95% CI, 1.9-4.4) to 7.1 (95% CI, 6.4-8.0).ConclusionAll types of lower limb orthopedic surgery including minor distal procedures were associated with higher rates of VTE compared with matched controls, in particular within the first 30 days after surgery.
Project description:Background Rates of major lower extremity amputation in patients with peripheral artery disease are higher in rural communities with markers of low socioeconomic status, but most Americans live in metropolitan areas. Whether amputation rates vary within US metropolitan areas is unclear, as are characteristics of high amputation rate urban communities. Methods and Results We estimated rates of major lower extremity amputation per 100 000 Medicare beneficiaries between 2010 and 2018 at the ZIP code level among ZIP codes with ≥100 beneficiaries. We described demographic characteristics of high and low amputation ZIP codes, and the association between major amputation rate and 3 ZIP code-level markers of socioeconomic status-the proportion of patients with dual eligibility for Medicaid, median household income, and Distressed Communities Index score-for metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural ZIP code cohorts. Between 2010 and 2018, 188 995 Medicare fee-for-service patients living in 31 391 ZIP codes with ≥100 beneficiaries had a major lower extremity amputation. The median (interquartile range) ZIP code-level number of amputations per 100 000 beneficiaries was 262 (75-469). Though nonmetropolitan ZIP codes had higher rates of major amputation than metropolitan areas, 78.2% of patients undergoing major amputation lived in metropolitan areas. Compared with ZIP codes with lower amputation rates, top quartile amputation rate ZIP codes had a greater proportion of Black residents (4.4% versus 17.5%, P<0.001). In metropolitan areas, after adjusting for clinical comorbidities and demographics, every $10 000 lower median household income was associated with a 4.4% (95% CI, 3.9-4.8) higher amputation rate, and a 10-point higher Distressed Communities Index score was associated with a 3.8% (95% CI, 3.4%-4.2%) higher amputation rate; there was no association between the proportion of patients eligible for Medicaid and amputation rate. These findings were comparable to the associations identified across all ZIP codes. Conclusions In metropolitan areas, where most individuals undergoing lower extremity amputation live, markers of lower socioeconomic status and Black race were associated with higher rates of major lower extremity amputation. Development of community-based tools for peripheral artery disease diagnosis and management targeted to communities with high amputation rates in urban areas may help reduce inequities in peripheral artery disease outcomes.
Project description:AIMS/HYPOTHESIS:The reduction of major lower-extremity amputations (LEAs) is one of the main goals in diabetes care. Our aim was to estimate annual LEA rates in individuals with and without diabetes in Belgium, and corresponding time trends. METHODS:Data for 2009-2013 were provided by the Belgian national health insurance funds, covering more than 99% of the Belgian population (about 11 million people). We estimated the age-sex standardised annual amputation rate (first per year) in the populations with and without diabetes for major and minor LEAs, and the corresponding relative risks. To test for time trends, Poisson regression models were fitted. RESULTS:A total of 5438 individuals (52.1% with diabetes) underwent a major LEA, 2884 people with above- and 3070 with below-the-knee major amputations. A significant decline in the major amputation rate was observed in people with diabetes (2009: 42.3; 2013: 29.9 per 100,000 person-years, 8% annual reduction, p?<?0.001), which was particularly evident for major amputations above the knee. The annual major amputation rate remained stable in individuals without diabetes (2009: 6.1 per 100,000 person-years; 2013: 6.0 per 100,000 person-years, p?=?0.324) and thus the relative risk reduced from 6.9 to 5.0 (p?<?0.001). A significant but weaker decrease was observed for minor amputation in individuals with and without diabetes (5% and 3% annual reduction, respectively, p?<?0.001). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION:In this nationwide study, the risk of undergoing a major LEA in Belgium gradually declined for individuals with diabetes between 2009 and 2013. However, continued efforts should be made to further reduce the number of unnecessary amputations.
Project description:The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) after chemoprophylaxis in patients with pelvic and lower-extremity fractures, and to identify risk factors for VTEs in this subgroup of patients. To detect VTE, multi-detector computed tomography (CT) angiography was performed. Of 363 patients assessed, the incidence of symptomatic VTE was 12.4% (45 patients), and the incidence of symptomatic PE was 5.2% (19 patients). For the risk-factor analysis, a higher Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.037), and a history of external fixator application (p = 0.007) were associated with increased VTE risk. Among patients who had VTE, male sex (p = 0.017), and above-the-knee fractures (p = 0.035) were associated with increased pulmonary embolism (PE) risk. In conclusions, the incidence of VTE in post-traumatic patients is not low after chemoprophylaxis. Risk factors for VTE and PE are different among patients with pelvic and lower-extremity fractures.
Project description:Background and purposeRe-amputation after lower extremity amputation is frequent. The primary aim of our study was to investigate cumulative re-amputation risk after transtibial amputation (TTA), knee disarticulation (KD), and transfemoral amputation (TFA) and secondarily to investigate time to re-amputation, and risk factors.MethodsThis observational cohort study was based on data from the Danish Nationwide Health registers. The population included first-time major lower extremity amputations (MLEA) performed in patients ≥ 50 years between 2010 and 2021. Both left and right sided MLEA from the same patient were included as index procedures.Results11,743 index MLEAs on 10,052 patients were included. The overall cumulative risks for re-amputation were 29% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27-30), 30% (CI 26-35), and 11% (CI 10-12) for TTA, KD, and TFA, respectively. 58% of re-amputations were performed within 30 days after index MLEA. Risk factors for re-amputation within 30 days were dyslipidemia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.2, CI 1.0-1.3), renal insufficiency (HR 1.2, CI 1.1-1.4), and prior vascular surgery (HR 1.3, CI 1.2-1.5).ConclusionThe risk of re-amputation was more than twice as high after TTA (29%) and KD (30%) compared with TFA (11%). Most re-amputations were conducted within 30 days of the index MLEA. Dyslipidemia, renal insufficiency, and prior vascular surgery were associated with higher risk of re-amputation.
Project description:Lower extremity amputation is often performed in patients where both lower extremities are at risk due to peripheral arterial disease or diabetes, yet the proportion of patients who progress to amputation of their contralateral limb is not well defined. We sought to determine the rate of subsequent amputation on both the ipsilateral and contralateral lower extremities following initial amputation.We conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing lower extremity amputation (exclusive of trauma or tumor) at our institution from 1998 to 2010. We used International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision codes to identify patients and procedures as well as comorbidities. Outcomes included the proportion of patients at 1 and 5 years undergoing contralateral and ipsilateral major and minor amputation stratified by initial major vs minor amputation. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of major contralateral amputation.We identified 1715 patients. Mean age was 67.2 years, 63% were male, 77% were diabetic, and 34% underwent an initial major amputation. After major amputation, 5.7% and 11.5% have a contralateral major amputation at 1 and 5 years, respectively. After minor amputation, 3.2% and 8.4% have a contralateral major amputation at 1 and 5 years while 10.5% and 14.2% have an ipsilateral major amputation at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed end-stage renal disease (hazard ratio [HR], 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-6.5), chronic renal insufficiency (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.5-3.3), atherosclerosis without diabetic neuropathy (HR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.5-5.7), atherosclerosis with diabetic neuropathy (HR, 9.1; 95% CI, 3.7-22.5), and initial major amputation (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.6) were independently predictive of subsequent contralateral major amputation.Rates of contralateral limb amputation are high and predicted by renal disease, atherosclerosis, and atherosclerosis with diabetic neuropathy. Physicians and patients should be alert to the high risk of subsequent amputation in the contralateral leg. All patients, but particularly those at increased risk, should undergo close surveillance and counseling to help prevent subsequent amputations in their contralateral lower extremity.
Project description:PurposeLimb salvage surgery and amputation are two commonly performed procedures for lower extremity tumors. When comparing these procedures in tumor patients, it is important to consider their impact on quality of life (QOL) and functional mobility. These patients often experience physical, emotional, and psychological challenges, making these factors crucial in determining the most suitable treatment approach.MethodThe outcomes of lower extremity tumors patients for QOL were collected from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar until 28 February 2023. The physical function, mental health, role function, social function, emotional function, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score outcomes were analyzed to determine the differences between the two procedures.ResultsFive articles were included according to the selection criteria with a total of 245 patients. The standard mean difference (SMD) values of each parameter were slightly higher in limb salvage surgery patients but not higher enough to produce statistically significant results; the SMD values for physical function and mental health were 0.72 and 0.04, respectively. This study did not report any heterogeneity or publication bias.ConclusionsQOL is a large and enhanced term, which carries its importance and is challenging to compare between any procedures. The minimal rise in SMD of different QOL parameters highlighted only a slight advantage of limb salvage surgery over amputation. Therefore, further research is required to explore the impact of this crucial topic.
Project description:ImportancePrior studies have observed an association between the burden of atherosclerotic vascular disease and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The association is not well described in peripheral artery disease (PAD) after lower extremity revascularization (LER).ObjectiveTo describe the risk of, factors associated with, and outcomes after VTE, as well as the association of low-dose rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet therapy with VTE after LER.Design, setting, and participantsThis global, multicenter cohort study used data from the Vascular Outcomes Study of ASA (acetylsalicylic acid) Along With Rivaroxaban in Endovascular or Surgical Limb Revascularization for PAD (VOYAGER PAD) randomized clinical trial, which enrolled patients from 2015 to 2018 with median follow-up of 28 months. Participants included patients with PAD undergoing LER. Patients with an indication for therapeutic anticoagulation were excluded. Data were analyzed from September 2020 to September 2021.ExposureRandomization to rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily or placebo on a background of aspirin 100 mg daily; short-term clopidogrel was used at the discretion of the treating physician.Main outcomes and measuresSymptomatic VTE was a prespecified secondary outcome and prospectively collected.ResultsAmong 6564 patients (median [IQR] age, 67 [61-73] years; 4860 [74.0%] men), 66 patients had at least 1 VTE. The 3-year rate of VTE in patients receiving placebo was 1.7%, and the pattern of risk was linear (year 1: 0.5%; year 2: 1.1%). After multivariable modeling, weight (hazard ratio [HR], 3.04; 95% CI, 1.09-8.43), hypertension (HR, 2.11; 95% CI, 0.91-4.89), prior amputation (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 0.95-4.53), and older age (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.06-3.11) were associated with increased risk of VTE. VTE was associated with risk of subsequent mortality (HR, 7.22; 95% CI, 4.66-11.19). Compared with aspirin alone, rivaroxaban plus aspirin was associated with lower VTE risk (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.37-0.998; P = .047), with benefit apparent early and sustained over time. This association was not modified by use of clopidogrel at randomization (without clopidogrel: HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.29-1.07; with clopidogrel: HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.32-1.48; P for interaction = .67).Conclusions and relevanceIn this cohort study, there was continuous risk for VTE after LER in patients with PAD, with greater risk in patients who were older and had obesity and those with more severe PAD, as reflected by prior amputation. Low-dose rivaroxaban plus aspirin was associated with lower VTE risk compared with aspirin alone, with benefits apparent early and continued over time. The spectrum of venous and arterial thrombotic events and overall benefits of more potent antithrombotic strategies for prevention should be considered after LER for PAD.