SUMMARY
Karen L. Andrews, M.D., conducts research on the healing of chronic wounds, amputee rehabilitation, and impulse pumps to optimize perfusion and healing for patients who have wounds with decreased blood flow (ischemic wounds). She has also researched methods to enhance healing, including intermittent pneumatic compression and noncontact low-frequency ultrasound.
Dr. Andrews has been recognized within Mayo Clinic's Vascular Ulcer and Wound Healing Center for her use of provisional footwear, prescription footwear, custom bivalve ankle foot orthoses, rigid rockers and other devices to optimize healing of neuropathic wounds.
Focus areas
- Rehabilitation of older patients with vascular amputations. Dr. Andrews studies the rehabilitation of older patients with peripheral arterial disease who have had vascular amputations. She works to optimize their rehabilitation processes, with an eye toward future health resource allocation.
- Healing prediction in partial foot amputations. Dr. Andrews has evaluated the use of limb elevation and dependency when obtaining transcutaneous oxygen pressure measurements. This research is aimed at determining of the value of these measurements in predicting how well a patient will heal after foot amputation.
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Prosthetic hip rehabilitation. Dr. Andrews and her team identified groups of patients who successfully use prostheses after hip-level amputations (hip disarticulations or hemipelvectomies). The team helps patients understand new advances in prosthetic components — such as microprocessor knee and Helix hip joints — and use their prostheses for primary mobility.
Dr. Andrews has also investigated the difference in functional outcome measures when patients walk with prostheses versus one-legged walking with crutches after hemipelvectomy.
- Management of the at-risk foot. The best predicator of amputation is a history of previous amputation. A history of lower extremity ulceration or amputation increases the risk of further ulceration, infection and subsequent amputation. Dr. Andrews studies early diagnosis, control of risk factors, medical management and timely revascularization strategies to avoid limb loss.
Significance to patient care
The objectives of Dr. Andrews' research are to avoid amputation for people who are at risk and to optimize function after amputation when it is required. Her goal is to improve the quality of patients' lives while they're preparing for and healing from amputations and wounds.
Professional highlights
- Director, Amputee Rehabilitation Service, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 1995-present.
- Director, Vascular Ulcer and Wound Healing Clinic, Gonda Vascular Center, Mayo Clinic, 2014-2023.
- Executive board, International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics, 2015-2021.
- Champion, Amputee Rehabilitation speciality, CARF International, 2010-2015.