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Control of the residual tibia in transtibial amputation
M S Pinzur1, N Reddy, G Charuk
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.
Foot & Ankle International
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Transtibial amputees experiencing residual limb pain may have bone alignment issues related to surgical technique, not just prosthetic socket fit. Proper alignment is key for comfortable prosthetic wear.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Prosthetics & Biomechanics
Background:
- Localized residual limb pain during prosthetic wear is a common issue for transtibial amputees.
- This pain is often unresponsive to prosthetic socket modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between bone alignment within the prosthetic socket and residual limb pain in transtibial amputees.
- To differentiate pain causes from phantom limb or complex regional pain syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Compared angle measurements (femur-tibia, femur-socket, tibia-socket) in eight pain-experiencing transtibial amputees and thirteen pain-free controls.
- All subjects used similar total-contact, patellar tendon-bearing prosthetic sockets.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in femur-tibia, femur-socket, and tibia-socket angles were observed between pain and pain-free groups.
- Tibia length did not correlate with pain occurrence.
Conclusions:
- Bone alignment within the transtibial prosthetic socket is a critical factor in residual limb pain.
- Surgical technique, rather than solely prosthetic socket configuration, may significantly influence this alignment.