The regionalisation of major trauma in the UK has significantly improved outcomes for patients with severe, lower limb injuries. Chronic pain after complex lower limb injuries is well documented, but seems to remain a problem despite better clinical and radiological outcomes. We hypothesised that pain was mediated through the saphenous nerve, especially as most tibial injuries affected the soft tissues medially. As a proof of concept, we undertook adductor canal blocks to understand pain aetiology. Patients with chronic pain following complex lower limb trauma or congenital deformity correction have been selected and underwent an adductor canal block by one of our trauma anaesthetist that specialises in this procedure. Their outcomes were recorded in their clinical records and patients were contacted by phone to document their experiences.Introduction
Materials & Methods
Lower limb amputation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Reflecting the predominance of vascular or diabetic disease as a cause for lower limb amputation, much of the available literature excludes lower limb amputation secondary to trauma in the reporting of complication rates. This paucity in the literature represents a research gap in describing the incidence of complications in lower limb amputation due to trauma, which we aim to address. Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of all traumatic lower limb amputations secondary to trauma from a regional multidisciplinary amputee service at Queen Mary's Hospital. Electronic patient records and paper notes were consulted for evidence of re-operation, infection (superficial or deep), phantom limb pain and neuroma. 222 patients were screened and 108 included in the data analysis.Introduction
Materials and Methods
