title: [Determining the amputation level].
abstract: The peripheral amputation level (at the knee or below the knee) is the most important factor in obtaining optimal functional results and reducing the relatively high operative mortality of above-knee amputations in patients with occlusive arterial disease. Measurement of transcutaneous oxygen tension has proved to be a helpful tool for realizing this therapeutic principle. Comparison with another group of amputees without pO2 measurement indicates that the ratio of above-knee to below-knee amputation or knee disarticulation could be changed from 2:1 to 1:4. The reduced number of above-knee amputations also resulted in decreased operative mortality (3.2% vs 11.4%).
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Gefäss-, Thorax- und Herzchirurgie, Universität Ulm.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hamann
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cyba-Altunbay
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000601:surgery*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D009336:Necrosis
vernacular_title: Bestimmung der Amputationshöhe.