Below Knee Amputation Stump Lengthening

Below-knee amputation (BKA)Below knee amputation (BKA) BKA Below knee amputation (BKA) requires 40% less energy expenditure when compared with above-knee amputation (AKA) (Waters RL, Perry J, Antonelli D, Hislop H, J Bone Jt Surg 58(1):42–46, 1976), and compliance with prosthesis use is twice as likely with a BKA when compared with an AKA (Hagberg E, Berlin OK, Renström P, Prosthet Orthot Int 16(3):168–173, 1992). However, despite the advantages, when a residual BKA stump is foreshortened, patients exhibit inefficient gait and significant functional loss, and prosthesis fit becomes difficult (Bowen RE, Struble SG, Setoguchi Y, Watts HG, J Pediatr Orthop 25(4):543–547, 2005). BKA stump lengthening with an Ilizarov is an option in patients with short residual BKA stumps, who have a healthy, well-perfused soft tissue envelope and who understand the risks and benefits of Ilizarov application.