Spahn K., Wyatt, M. P., Julianne, S. M., Mazzone, B. N., Yoder, A. J., & Kuhn, K. M. (2018). Do gait and functional parameters change after transtibial amputation following attempted limb preservation in a military population? Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1-7 [e-pub ahead of print].
At times, surgeons and rehabilitative teams attempt limb preservation strategies for military personnel who have sustained severe lower extremity trauma. Some of these patients will undergo a number of procedures and will still be left with a painful, poorly functioning extremity. This study demonstrated that elective late transtibial amputation after attempted limb preservation in a young, motivated group of Service members may be successful in decreasing pain and narcotic use, minimizing the need for assistive devices and increasing activity levels, improving gait mechanics and allowing for high-level functional activities.