Gritti-Stokes (through-knee) amputation: should it be reintroduced?
BACKGROUND
When there is doubt about perfusion in the distal part of the leg and around the ankle, an above-knee amputation (AKA) site has been the most commonly selected to assure primary wound healing.


METHODS
The Gritti-Stokes amputation (GSA), a modified through-knee amputation, seems to have value for selected patients, according to a literature review and our success in a small group of patients. We have investigated the proportion of patients who have had AKA and who might have been suitable candidates for GSA.


RESULTS
In a retrospective study of 66 patients who had had AKA, at least one third could have been considered for a GSA and might have benefitted from this procedure. This suggests that some consideration should be given to the reintroduction of the Gritti-Stokes operation.


CONCLUSIONS
Our expectation is that patients so treated could achieve a high proportion of primary wound healing, an end-bearing stump, and more rapid rehabilitation than found in patients undergoing the classic AKA.
Faber
D C
DC
Department of Surgery, York Hospital, York, PA 17405, USA.
Fielding
L P
LP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies