Turkish Journal of Geriatrics 2004 , Vol 7, Issue 2
LOWER EXTREMITY REPLANTATION IN A SEVENTY–SIX YEAR OLD MAN
Mustafa AKYÜREK, Ömer ÖZKAN, Tunç ŞAFAK, Abdullah KEÇİK
Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Plastik ve Rekonstrüktif Cerrahi Anabilim Dalı, ANKARA Despite the pessimistic opinions for elderly patients that have poor potential of recovery, in replanted parts compared to younger patients, the unique speciality of the replantation procedure leads to improved quality of life by preserving the functional properties of the limb and enabling independent ambulation. In the literature, a few successful cases of lower extremity replantation in elderly patients have been reported to date. In this report, we present our experience with a successful replantation of an amputated leg with severe crush and avulsion injury in a 76-year-old man. After application of a convenient modified prosthesis, independent ambulation was achieved 1 year postoperatively. The difficult nature of replantation in elderly patients, and the reliability and advantages of the procedure are discussed. Keywords : Elderly patient, Replantation, Lower extremity.