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Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Temporary External Fixation for Limb Control in Short Transfemoral Amputation: A Case
Musashi Ima1,2, Tamon Kabata2, Hidenori Matsubara2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical Corporation Hakuyukai, Kanazawa Nishi Hospital, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.
JBJS Case Connector
|May 22, 2026
Summary
This case study shows temporary external fixation aids hip replacement in patients with short residual limbs after amputation. This method improved prosthetic gait and reduced pain, offering a viable solution for complex surgical cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Short residual limbs after transfemoral amputation present surgical challenges for total hip arthroplasty (THA).
- Absence of a distal lever arm complicates intraoperative limb control during THA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of temporary external fixation in managing intraoperative limb control during THA in a patient with a short residual limb.
Main Methods:
- A 61-year-old male patient with a short residual limb and hip osteoarthritis underwent THA.
- A temporary circular external fixation system was applied to the proximal femur for traction and rotation.
- The THA procedure was completed successfully using the external fixation system.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced substantial postoperative pain relief at 1 year.
- Improved prosthetic gait was observed without instability or implant complications.
- The external fixation system facilitated reproducible intraoperative limb control.
Conclusions:
- Temporary external fixation is an effective method for achieving intraoperative limb control in THA for patients with short residual limbs.
- This technique can lead to significant improvements in pain and functional outcomes post-THA.
