Lower Limb Replantation after Guillotine Amputation: A 29-Year Follow-Up

Lower extremity traumatic amputations are relatively rare and mostly the result of high-energy motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents. These injuries predominantly affect a young population. Although there is a debate about the indications for replantation, much of the published literature tends to favor primary revision amputation with subsequent use of a prosthetic. Despite this, there are numerous possible drawbacks of a revision amputation including neuromas, stump problems, derangement of the patient's body self-image, and diminished function.[1]

Alternatively, replantation of an amputated lower extremity has the chance to replace “like with like” and may offer superior functional outcomes. However, there are few reported cases with long-term follow-up to help better define the indications and possible outcomes. This case report describes a 29-year follow-up of successful lower extremity replantation.

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