[Transarticular amputation at the knee in peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Very positive experiences after routine use of the Klaes and Eigler technique].

In a retrospective study we compare our experience with the through-knee amputation in peripheral vascular disease. In the first 15 patients we used an amputation technique with circular incision. In about 50% of these patients we observed a delayed wound healing or they needed a reamputation to a higher bony level. In the 17 following patients we used the amputation technique described by Klaes and Eigler, using a posterior myocutaneous flap to cover the condyles. Only one of these patients needed a reamputation and another had a secondary wound healing. We conclude that the technique of through-knee amputation described by Klaes and Eigler is better adapted for patients with peripheral vascular disease.