Lengthening of Tibia after Trans-Tibial Amputation: Use of a Weight Bearing External Fixator-Prosthesis Composite

Excerpt

When a patient encounters a traumatic injury to his or her lower limb, limb salvage is not always possible and amputation may be required. Other indications for amputation include tumor and peripheral vascular disease. There are major advantages to maintaining a trans-tibial amputation (TTA) and not converting to a trans-femoral amputation (TFA). Lower levels of amputation lead to better clinical outcomes due to preservation of the knee joint and the mechanics of standing and walking. While all amputations require increased energy for walking, there is better energy efficiency with a TTA (15–45% above normal) than a TFA (25–65% above normal). Other advantages of TTA over TFA include better ability to negotiate environmental barriers, better balance, better proprioception, better control of the prosthesis, and improved gait [14]. When possible, TTA is preferable to TFA. …