Stump fractures in lower extremity amputees

Abstract

A series of 23 above-knee and below-knee amputees who sustained an ipsilateral lower extremity fracture was qualitatively evaluated with respect to the nature of the injuries sustained, associated problems, and results of fracture treatment. The overall incidence of these fractures was 3% in a population of lower-extremity amputees. The stump fractures encountered were distal femur fractures and fractures about the hip. More than one fourth of these fractures had an initially missed or 'delayed' diagnosis. Most femur fractures were successfully treated by nonoperative means, and most of the hip fractures were treated operatively. The final rehabilitated status of the dysvascular amputees was the poorest: one half of those who were previous household ambulators remained wheelchair confined postinjury.