Soft tissue considerations in partial foot amputations.

Abstract

Success is possible with partial foot amputations even in the diabetic patient population. Many diabetics who in the past would have undergone a major lower extremity amputation now have successful reconstruction of their complex foot wounds. Even though this article presents the levels of amputation and methods of closure for soft tissue defects in a sequential manner, in many instances, different levels and methods are used for different aspects of the same foot defect (i.e., a TMA may require a fillet of toe, STSG, and TAL for successful closure). Familiarity with the principles advocated in this article and the importance of each member of the multispecialty team involved help to ensure that good outcomes in the immediate postoperative period and in the long-term recovery period are achieved.