Salvage of the Last Remaining Ray Following Previous Partial Foot Amputation

Clinical presentation, surgical treatment and documented healing.

01 / Problem: Clinical presentation
02 / Procedure: Surgical approach
03 / Outcome: Healing & follow-up

Clinical photographs below include wounds and surgical treatment.

01 / CLINICAL PRESENTATION

Problem

A 50-year-old man with type 2 diabetes was referred after previous amputation of the second, third, fourth, and fifth rays at another hospital. He subsequently developed osteomyelitis of the remaining first metatarsal, threatening complete loss of the forefoot and progression to a major lower-limb amputation.

Salvage of the Last Remaining Ray Following Previous Partial Foot Amputation before image — Problem

02 / SURGICAL APPROACH

Procedure

Limb-salvage surgery was performed with complete excision of the infected first metatarsal and hallux until healthy, bleeding bone margins were achieved. The procedure was carefully planned to eradicate the infection while preserving a stable plantar stump capable of supporting weight-bearing with appropriate custom footwear.

03 / HEALING & FOLLOW-UP

Outcome

The wound healed successfully, and the patient regained independent ambulation using a customized therapeutic shoe.

This case demonstrates that even when osteomyelitis affects the last remaining ray after previous multiple ray amputations, limb preservation may still be achievable. Rather than progressing to a major amputation, careful surgical planning can eradicate infection while creating a stable, functional residual foot that allows continued walking and preserves the patient’s independence.