Feasibility of Obtaining Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in a High-Volume Multidisciplinary Surgical Limb Salvage Center.

Background: Completion of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is labor-intensive but paramount in improving patient-centered care, allowing for advancement of techniques and scrutinization of outcomes. We report the feasibility of PROM collection and reporting for patients seen in a high-volume, multidisciplinary, tertiary limb salvage center to determine pain and functionality outcomes.

Methods: The center received grant funding resources for large-scale PROM collection.

A Comparative Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Free Tissue Transfer, Partial Foot Amputation, and Below-Knee Amputation in High-Risk Limb Salvage Patients.

Background: The surgical decision for limb-salvage with free tissue transfer (FTT), partial foot amputation (PFA), or below-knee amputation (BKA) for complex lower extremity (LE) wounds hinges on several factors, including patient choice and baseline function. However, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on LE function, pain, and QoL for chronic LE wound interventions are limited. Thus, the study aim was to compare PROMs in patients who underwent FTT, PFA, or BKA for chronic LE wounds.

The Use of Flap Techniques to Preserve Limb Length in Patients with Transmetatarsal Amputations.

Background: Chronic lower extremity wounds affect up to 13% of the US population. Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is frequently performed in patients with chronic forefoot wounds. TMA allows limb salvage and preserves functional gait, without need for prosthesis.

A Comparative Analysis of Functional and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Lisfranc and Chopart Amputations in High-Risk Limb Salvage Patients.

Midfoot amputations provide an opportunity for limb salvage through preservation of a weightbearing limb. However, the longevity of midfoot amputations is threatened by restrictions in surface area and risks of skin breakdown. To better inform decisions surrounding the level of amputation, we sought to compare outcomes of high-risk individuals who underwent Lisfranc or Chopart amputations.

New and Recurrent Ulcerations after Free Tissue Transfer with Partial Bony Resection in Chronic Foot Wounds within a Comorbid Population.

Background: Chronic foot wounds often require bony resection; however, altering the tripod of the foot carries a risk of new ulcer development nearing 70%. Resulting defects often require free tissue transfer (FTT) reconstruction; outcomes data for various bony resection and FTT options may guide clinical decision-making regarding bone and soft-tissue management. The authors hypothesized that alteration of the bony tripod will increase risk of new lesion development after FTT reconstruction.

Functional and Patient-reported Outcomes following Transmetatarsal Amputation in High-risk Limb Salvage Patients.

Background: Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is performed in patients with nonhealing wounds of the forefoot. Compared with below-knee amputations, healing after TMA is less reliable, and often leads to subsequent higher-level amputation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and patient-reported outcomes of TMA.

Ensuring Quality Care in the COVID-19 Era: Applying the Donabedian Model to Tertiary Wound Care Center Practices.

The coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic has disrupted health care, with its far-reaching effects seeping into chronic disease evaluation and treatment. Our tertiary wound care center was specially designed to deliver the highest quality care to wounded patients. Before the pandemic, we were able to ensure rapid treatment by means of validated protocols delivered by a colocalized multidisciplinary team within the hospital setting.