Osseous overgrowth after post-traumatic amputation of the lower extremity in childhood

Severe accidents in children may cause extreme destruction of the lower extremities. In some cases, there is no possibility to preserve the limbs. Initially, a weight-bearing stump cannot be achieved after amputation due to unstable local and soft tissue conditions. This critical situation is often complicated by one of the leading problems in the limb-deficient child - the development of osseous overgrowth. Bizarre overgrowth of the stump may lead to skin perforation, pressure ulcers, and difficulties with the prosthesis. Since 1993, we have been able to follow five pediatric and adolescent patients (2 years to 17 years old) with six post-traumatic amputations of the lower extremities. Four of these cases developed osseous overgrowth. One child treated with initial autologous stump-capping had excellent soft tissue conditions and no problems with the artificial limb. We also report on a case of bizarre and extensive new bone formation. We conclude that close follow-up visits after post-traumatic amputations in children are essential because of new bone formation which may endanger the soft tissue situation of the stump. Unfortunately, surgical revisions have to be performed quite often. To avoid several surgical corrections, an initial stump-capping with autologous material from the injured limb can be performed. Thus, the number of secondary procedures may be reduced drastically.