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J Reconstr Microsurg 1996; 12(4): 247-255
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006484
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Cross-over Replantation after Bilateral Traumatic Lower-Leg Amputation: A Case Report with a Six-Year Follow-Up

Augustin M. Betz, Wolfgang Stock, Robert Hierner, Leonhard Schweiberer
  • Departments of Traumatology, Plastic Surgery, and Hand Surgery, Klinikum Innenstadt, Chirurgische Klinik and Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich/Bavaria, Germany
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1995

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

A suicidal 66-year-old female patient was run over by a train. The lower extremities were amputated at different levels. On the right side, there was a complete amputation in the distal third of the lower leg. Proximal to the amputation site, there was an extensive soft-tissue and bone defect. On the left side, there was a crush injury of the tarsus and mid-tarsal bones. The left lower leg showed only minimal injuries. An ipsilateral (anatomic) replantation was not possible. In order to save one lower extremity, a cross-over (contralateral) replantation of the right foot to the left lower leg was carried out.

After a follow-up of 6 years, the patient is able to walk well with a prosthesis on the right side, and the right foot replanted to the left lower leg.

From a psychological point of view, it seemed better for the patient to preserve one extremity, even with a cross-over replanted foot.