[Indications for stump corrections]

Problems in prosthetic fitting or mobility of amputated patients are often caused primarily by insufficient stump quality. To achieve better rehabilitation results and a higher quality of life it is mandatory that the physician treating the patient is able to diagnose stump problems and to indicate stump correction surgery. A skilled knowledge of amputation techniques, different levels of amputation, as well as of prosthetic fitting methods is needed. The physician has to have knowledge of the differences between phantom sensation, phantom pain and stump pain, as well as their possible causes. Especially with stump pain caused by stump problems revision surgery has to be considered with the patient. A well-done surgical stump correction should result in a better end-bearing capacity, less pain, improved rehabilitation potential and better life quality. Stump revision surgery should be indicated more often, and this type of surgery should be a standard procedure in every orthopaedic and trauma department.