IDS ::: Prosthetics ::: Problematic Features

Post amputation features which often cause prosthetic rehabilitation problems:

Excessive or insufficient residual limb length.

Within each category of amputation level the actual length can vary.

The length of the residual limb is important but it is not the only important feature.
In general, anywhere in the middle third of a long bone will be adequate.
Too short – lack of leverage and a reduction in effective muscle tissue and total load bearing area.
Too long - lack of distal clearance and possible cosmetic problems.

These transtibial residual limbs are very short – only 30mm of tibia on the right.

This type of amputation leaves very little distal space for a foot. There is no space for an ankle at all.

Excessive scarring.

Showing bilateral transtibial residual limbs with 100% scarring.

Transfemoral residual limb.The prominence on the left side of the picture is the cut end of the femur.

Insufficient residual soft tissue. The result was a prominent distal femur with little soft covering.

A fissured scar can be very problematic, especially if it is situated in an area which is unavoidably loaded by the prosthetic socket.

A knee flexion contracture (and a rather fissured scar)