Standardized Photoelectric Technique as Routine Method for Selection of Amputation Level

Abstract

During a period of 11 months 45 amputations, 31 below-knee and 14 above-knee, were performed in 42 patients with gangrene of the lower extremity. A newly introduced standardized photoelectric technique for measurement of local skin perfusion pressure (SPP) was used preoperatively and the result used in selection of the proper amputation level. An overall healing rate of 89 per cent was found. 69 per cent of the amputations were performed below-knee. The healing rates for individual SPP-levels were identical to those obtained with the cumbersome isotope washout technique. The standardized photoelectric technique is simple, rapid and causes the patient only negligible discomfort, allowing repeated measurements on different levels of the leg.