Salami-Tactics: when is it time for a major cut after multiple minor amputations?

INTRODUCTION: Repetitive minor amputations carry the concomitant risks of multiple surgical procedures, major amputations have physical and economical major drawbacks. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a distinct number of minor amputations predicting a major amputation in the same leg and to determine risk factors for major amputation in multiple minor amputations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review including 429 patients with 534 index minor amputations between 07/1984 and 06/2019 was conducted. Patient demographics and clinical data including number and level of re-amputations were extracted from medical records and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: 290 legs (54.3%) had one or multiple re-amputations after index minor amputation. 89 (16.7%) legs needed major amputation during follow up. Major amputation was performed at a mean of 32.5 (range 0 – 275.2) months after index minor amputation. No particular re-amputation demonstrated statistically significant elevated odds ratio (a.) to be a major amputation compared to the preceding amputation and (b.) to lead to a major amputation at any point during follow up. Stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed minor re-amputation within 90 days (HR 3.8, 95% CI 2.0-7.3, p <0.001) as the only risk factor for major amputation if at least one re-amputation had to be performed. CONCLUSIONS: There is no distinct number of prior minor amputations in one leg that would justify a major amputation on its own. If a re-amputation has to be done, the timepoint needs to be considered as re-amputations within 90 days carry a fourfold risk for major amputation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study (Level III). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00402-021-04106-5.