[Distal femur fracture in a woman with a lower limb prosthesis]

Abstract

Background: People who use a lower limb prosthesis can fracture their distal femur after a trivial fall; however, this kind of fracture is uncommon.

Case description: A 53-year-old woman with a trans-tibial prosthesis fell in her kitchen. She felt pain just above the socket of the prosthesis, was unable to get up and her knee and leg were swollen. Radiographic imaging showed a distal femur fracture, for which she received a non-operative treatment with a stump cast. In consultation with the rehabilitation physician she received a conventional lower limb prosthesis after consolidation of the fracture. She mobilised adequately and was able to resume her activities at home and at work.

Conclusion: Distal femur fractures in patients with a lower limb prosthesis can be recognised through pain just above the socket of the prosthesis. Conservative treatment, including the use of a stump cast, followed by mobilisation with an adapted prosthesis under supervision of a rehabilitation physician often results in a good outcome in terms of functionality.