Skin temperatures were recorded preoperatively with a surface temperature probe in 30 limbs of 26 patients undergoing amputations for peripheral vascular disease. A significant correlation was established between the temperature readings and stump survival at the selected levels. All amputation levels with temperature readings above 32° C healed, and all those with readings below 30.5° C failed to heal. If the difference between skin temperature and room temperature was less than 5° C the amputation generally failed.
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