Radioisotope washout technique as a routine method for selection of amputation level.

In 36 amputations of the lower extremity the local skin perfusion pressure was measured preoperatively by an isotope washout technique. The result served as a guidance in the selection of amputation level. An overall healing rate of 94 per cent was found with 64 per cent of the amputations being below the knee. Thus, the isotope washout technique, used routinely, gives a reliable preoperative assessment of the chances of wound healing following below-knee and above-knee amputations.