Positioning the Bariatric Amputee: A Case Report

Traumatic lower limb amputation has been identified as a major risk factor for obesity and metabolic diseases. Surgery in amputees with obesity poses significant complexities with physical and logistical issues of positioning and ergonomics. A 64-year-old gentleman with a history bilateral above knee amputation, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obstructive sleep apnea was worked up for bariatric surgery. Due to his amputations, it was unknown whether this would be safe or feasible. In order to ensure this, the patient was brought to the operating room more than a week in advance to trial positioning. The patient was able to be positioned in reverse Trendelenburg with straps across his lower chest and his proximal thighs. Despite obesity being a prevalent and increasing issue facing lower limb amputees, there was relative paucity of literature on the topic. The successful use of this strategy to position a bilateral amputee could be mirrored in future cases.