Replantation of Amputed Anke Through the Distal Tibial Epiphysis: A Case Report

You, Myung Chul; Jo, Eun Je; Kim, Ihn Ghoo

Abstract

Amputation through the epiphyseal plate is very rare. Authors experienced only one case of ankle amputation through the epiphyseal plate in one huadred seventeen replantation cases during last seven years. It can make severe growth disturbance after replantation especially if the bone shortening is carried out at epiphyseal plate. Authors have developed new idea to make boae shortening during replantation with preservation of the epiphyseal plate in amputation through the epiphyseal plate in three years old female. It is, so called, double osteotomy shortening. Bone shortening is performed at 5cm above amputated epipyaeal plate to avoid further damage in epiphyseal plate, and a bone segment 3cm in length is resected,by double osteotomy shortening technique. After then, bone reduction and internal fixation is followed. With above technique, authors succeeded in replantation without further damage in epiphysis. In three years and ten months follow-up, bony growth in replanted tibia shows normal pattern, and epiphyseal plate in replanted site is working and remained open. The patient can walk without pain, and motor-sensory function have almost completely recoverered.