Threatened lower extremity in a neonate from a severely constricting amniotic band: a case for limb salvage after a 6-year functional follow-up

Ann Plast Surg. 2006 Nov;57(5):569-72. doi: 10.1097/01.sap.0000237574.40897.7f.

Abstract

A child presented at birth with a threatened lower limb from severe constriction band. Limb salvage was performed by emergency z-plasty reconstructions and subsequent sural nerve grafting to a fibrotic segmental deficit in the sciatic nerve. Follow-up over a 6-year period enables us to provide a favorable outlook with regard to functional use of the extremity and absence of chronic lymphedema, but she does have a significant limb length discrepancy. There is virtually no information on long-term functional outcome of such cases, although textbook teaching advises one to attempt emergency salvage of an extremity that is threatened by a severely constricting congenital amniotic band. Follow-up of our patient equips us with outcome information so that we can now better inform parents when once again faced with this problem in the neonate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amniotic Band Syndrome / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lower Extremity / surgery*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Salvage Therapy / methods*
  • Severity of Illness Index