Dermatologic Conditions in Persons with Lower Limb Amputations: a Review

The goal of our paper was to examine literature and innovations made regarding dermatologic conditions in patients with lower limb amputations. We aimed to examine the most common skin problems as well as their prevalence among this patient population. Furthermore, we sought to highlight treatments for these conditions. While prosthetic components play a large role in the pathogenesis and treatment of skin conditions of the residual limb, this was not our focus for this paper.

Most current research is centered on therapies to improve wound healing and contractures, decrease scarring, and minimize damaging mechanical forces between the residual limb and prosthesis. Researchers are investigating skin grafting methods as well as phenotypic expression of the skin of the residual limb.

Patients with lower limb amputations frequently suffer from one or more chronic dermatologic conditions. Future research will likely continue to focus on treatment or prophylaxis against these common skin problems among these patients.