Vascular

Above Knee Amputation

OPERATION: Above Knee Amputation (Transfemoral)
ANAESTHETIC: General / spinal anaesthesia
ANTIBIOTICS: IV antibiotics at induction
POSITION: Supine. Urinary catheter. [Tourniquet applied if indicated.]

INDICATION:
Unsalvageable lower limb — [non-reconstructable peripheral vascular disease / failed below-knee amputation with stump breakdown / extensive trauma / life-saving in extremis]. Level of bone transection planned 5-7 cm proximal to flap edges.

PROCEDURE:
WHO Checklist performed. Level of amputation and skin flaps marked on table.

FLAP DESIGN:
Fish-mouth shaped flaps — anterior flap slightly longer than posterior. Distal edge of anterior flap 3-4 fingerbreadths proximal to superior border of patella.

DISSECTION: