A decision analysis of amputation versus reconstruction for severe open tibial fracture from the physician and patient perspectives

Ann Plast Surg. 2011 Feb;66(2):185-91. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3181cbfcce.

Abstract

Although reconstruction is often the primary choice of surgeons after an open tibial fracture, there is no evidence to support the long-term effectiveness of flap reconstruction over below-knee amputation. The aim of this study was to perform a decision analysis to evaluate treatment preferences for type IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures. Reconstructive microsurgeons, physical medicine physicians, and patients with lower extremity trauma completed a Web-based standard gamble utility survey to generate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Physicians assigned quite high utility values, and there was a slight preference for reconstruction over amputation, with a gain of only 0.55 QALY. Patients assigned significantly lower utility values and also favored reconstruction over amputation, but with a larger gain of 5.54 QALYs. The disparate utilities assigned by the physicians and the patients highlight the necessity of realistic discussion of outcomes, regardless of the management methods.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amputation, Surgical*
  • Decision Support Techniques*
  • Female
  • Fractures, Open / classification
  • Fractures, Open / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods
  • Patient Preference
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Tibial Fractures / classification
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery*
  • Young Adult