Editor's Choice - Analysis of Lower Limb Amputations in Brazil's Public Health System over 13 Years

Fibula graft under compression for the optimization of the transtibial amputation stump

This study evaluates the effects of a modified bone bridge technique using a fibular graft with interfragmentary compression in transtibial amputation stumps, with the goal of reducing tibia-fibula mobility and enhancing terminal weight-bearing capacity and rehabilitation. Eleven patients, eight males and three females, underwent transtibial amputation using this technique. All grafts weresuccessfully integrated, with fragment union achieved within three months. No major stump complications were observed, although three patients required screw removal due to washer-related pain. Functionally, all patients underwent axial loading assessed by an examiner, with stump load tolerance being evaluated using a conventional scale. All patients tolerated axial loading without pain or discomfort, with an average maximum load-bearing capacity of approximately 50 % of body weight. This technique effectively creates a rigid bone bridge suitable for shorter residual limbs, facilitating prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation.

Breaking Barriers-The Promise and Challenges of Limb Osseointegration Surgery

Limb amputation remains a significant global health issue, affecting millions of individuals annually. A substantial proportion of these patients struggle with the inadequate fit and discomfort of conventional prosthetic sockets, leading to diminished quality of life. Osseointegration surgery, a promising alternative, offers the direct skeletal attachment of bone, implant, and prosthetic, providing a more stable and functional interface. Osseointegration remains an emerging procedure, and while exact global figures are difficult to pinpoint, estimates suggest that over 10,000 patients worldwide have received osseointegration implants since the technique was first introduced. This perspective article analyzes recent advancements in the field of limb osseointegration, highlighting key achievements such as improved implant materials, surgical techniques, and comprehensive prosthetic integration strategies. Additionally, it explores future directions for development and discusses the latest research trends shaping the evolution of this field. Despite these developments, the widespread adoption of osseointegration faces significant barriers, including complications, limited access to multidisciplinary care, economic constraints, and the need for further long-term clinical evidence. In this paper, we present an extensive perspective on the current state of osseointegration, discuss the challenges impeding its broader implementation, and offer recommendations to address these obstacles, with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes and facilitating the integration of osseointegration into mainstream clinical practice.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Amputations in Persons with Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the incidence rate of amputations and their risk factors in people with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in two specialized outpatient clinics in Brazil. This is an epidemiological, retrospective cohort study using data collected from electronic health records of 281 adult diabetic patient types 1 or 2; attended in specialized outpatient service between 2015 and 2020. Statistical analyses were performed using the 2 sample t-test or Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, for quantitative variables, and the Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. The investigation of the risk factors for amputation was carried out through logistic regression. The study was approved by ethical committee. The sample mean age was 65.6 years (SD 13.05), predominating male gender n = 211 (75%), type 2 DM n = 223 (86.7%), with cardiovascular disease n = 143 (63.2%), and about 68.7% (n = 156) with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Seventy-seven had lower limb amputation (LLA), with a rate incidence of 31.9% during five years. Logistic regression analysis showed the following associations with amputation: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy increased the rate of amputation by 3.6 times (OR = 3.631, 95% CI = 1.214-11.353; P = .022), and peripheral arterial disease increased by 10 times (OR = 10.631; 95% CI = 2.969-57.029; P = .001). The LLA in individuals with DM in two specialized outpatient services was higher compared to international literature; DPN and PAD were confirmed as risk factors for amputation, according to literature. This finding suggests that the study population faces an increased risk of amputation, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and implementing robust preventive strategies to transform the current scenario and mitigate these severe outcomes. A comprehensive approach is essential to proactively address the underlying issues and reduce the prevalence and impact of amputations in Brazil.

Neurophysiological Markers of Adaptation and Compensation Following Lower Limb Amputation: An Analysis of EEG Oscillations and Clinical Predictors from the DEFINE Cohort Study

Background: Neuroplasticity, involving cortical and subcortical reorganization, plays a critical role in the adaptation and compensation process post-amputation. However, underlying neurophysiological changes remain unclear, particularly in brain oscillations. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis that includes baseline data from 48 individuals with lower limb amputation from our DEFINE Cohort Study project. EEG data were collected using a 64-channel system during a 5-min resting-state period. Preprocessed data were analyzed for delta and alpha oscillations across frontal, central, and parietal regions. Logistic regression models examined associations between EEG oscillations and clinical variables, including cognition (MoCA), functional independence (FIM), and phantom limb sensations (PLS). Results: The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed distinct patterns of association between EEG oscillations and clinical variables. Delta oscillations were inversely associated with cognitive scores (OR: 0.69; p = 0.048), while higher delta power was related to the absence of PLS (OR: 58.55; p < 0.01). Frontal alpha power was positively linked to cognitive function (OR: 1.55; p = 0.02) but negatively associated with functional independence (OR: 0.75; p = 0.04). Conclusions: These findings suggest that lower frequencies, such as delta oscillations, play a role as potential compensatory brain rhythms. In contrast, alpha oscillations may reflect a more adapted pattern of brain reorganization after amputation.

Analysis of 19 439 lower limb amputations in children in Brazilian health system over 14 years

BACKGROUND

Amputations in children represent significant events. Few studies analyse amputations in this specific population, and most of them are old, regionalised and with small sample sizes. Besides, there are no large studies in low-income and middle-income countries. This study aims to analyse a large sample of amputations (19 439 procedures performed in the Brazilian public health system) in children aged 0-14 over 14 years.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional population-based analysis of all lower limb amputations performed in the Brazilian public health system between 2008 and 2021 in children up to 14. Using a public database, all types of amputations were selected, defining the number of procedures, their main aetiologies, trends over the years, patient demographics and regional distribution.

RESULTS

19 439 lower limb amputations were performed in the Brazilian public health system between 2008 and 2021, mainly at the toe level (85%). Amputations occurred predominantly in males (64%) and children aged 0-4 (47%). The global trend is a non-significant decrease in the total number of amputations over the period (p=0.427), but we observe a significant decrease (p<0.001) in amputations in older children (aged 10-14). Amputations are more concentrated in the most populated regions, while the highest mortality is found in the least densely populated areas. Trauma is the main aetiology associated with lower limb amputations in Brazilian children (60%).

CONCLUSION

The epidemiology of amputations in Brazil differs from the rest of the world. Trauma is the main aetiology.