The transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (TcpO2, or oxygen tension) is related to cutaneous oxygen delivery. The transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen can be used to assess potential amputation sites for likelihood of healing.
Measurement sites:
(1) anterior surface of calf at proposed amputation site
(2) posterior surface of calf at proposed amputation site
(3) reference site on arm
TcO2 index =
= (TcpO2 from calf in mm Hg) / (TcpO2 of reference site in mm Hg)
Oishi et al (1988) measured TcpO2 before and after oxygen inhalation.
Interpretation:
• If the TcpO2 is > 20 mm Hg, healing is likely; if it is < 20 mm Hg, then healing is uncertain.
• If the TcpO2 index > 0.2, then healing is likely; if it is < 0.20, then healing is uncertain.
• If the TcpO2 before and after oxygen inhalation was <= 10 mm Hg, then healing was unlikely; if TcpO2 was <= 10 mm Hg before oxygen but > 10 mm Hg after oxygen, then healing at the amputation site was possible.
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