Which positions are most detrimental to a patient with a transtibial amputation?
Which positions are most detrimental to a patient with a transtibial amputation?
In patients who have undergone transtibial and transfemoral amputations, prolonged sitting with the hip and knee flexed should be avoided. Patients who have undergone transfemoral amputations should be instructed to lie in the prone position multiple times during the day to stretch the hip musculature.
How do you walk after below the knee amputation?
However, below knee amputation patients are usually able to walk with crutches soon after surgery. Many below knee amputee patients are able to use the iWALK hands-free crutch two or more weeks after surgery. This enables them to use both legs instead of relying on crutches or a wheelchair.
How do you take care of an amputee stump?
Gently wash your stump at least once a day (more frequently in hot weather) with mild unscented soap and warm water, and dry it carefully. If you have a prosthetic limb, you should also regularly clean the socket using soap and warm water.
What are some positioning considerations for a patient with an above the knee or below the knee amputation?
You must protect both legs from harmful pressure.
- On your back (supine) Lie on a firm surface. Keep your legs flat on the bed or floor.
- On your stomach (prone) Lie on a firm surface. Do not place pillows under your stomach.
- Sitting. Sit on a firm surface.
- Standing and walking. Stand up tall.
What is guillotine used for in amputation?
Background. Guillotine amputations are performed either for speed or for control of infection before a second, definitive amputation. In guillotine ankle amputation, all of the tissues from the skin to the bone are cut at the level of the ankle without creating flaps of soft tissue.
How long do you stay in hospital after a below knee amputation?
If it is possible to discharge you straight home you will usually be in hospital between 14 – 21 days.
How do you dress below the knee amputation?
Figure: Place the end of the bandage just above his knee and wrap it down the side of his stump, over the end, then back up the other side to above the knee. Avoid wrinkling the bandage throughout the wrapping process. Turn the bandage horizontally and circle it around his leg to secure both sides.
Why do you elevate a stump after amputation?
Your remaining foot is at higher risk for skin breakdown since it has to work harder. After surgery, your stump may be elevated on a pillow for the first 24-48 hours to decrease swelling.
How do you take care of a stump?
It is important to keep the skin on the surface of the stump clean to reduce the risk of the skin becoming irritated or infected. The stump should be washed at least once a day (more frequently in hot weather) with a mild antibacterial soap and warm water, before being dried carefully.
Should you elevate an amputation?
Elevate the stump for the first 24 to 48 hours. Move and turn the patient gently and slowly to prevent severe muscle spasms. Reposition the patient every 2 hours, turning the patient from side to side and prone, if possible. Lying prone helps reduce hip flexion contractures.
When is transtibial amputation indicated for trauma to the foot?
In cases of trauma to the foot and leg, transtibial amputation should be done initially if there is such severe destruction of soft tissue and bone that reconstruction or a more distal amputation is not feasible (see Chapter 2C ).
What is the recommended distance to amputate the tibia?
It is almost always recommended to avoid amputation in the distal 1/3 to 1/4 of the tibia, as there is very little musculartissue for padding in the distal most portion of the lower limb.
Why do they put a dressing on after amputation?
After the amputation there will be a post-operative dressing on your amputated limb (residual limb). The purpose of the dressing is to help control swelling, protect your incision and promote wound healing. You may also have a drainage tube in place to remove fluids and help with healing.
Do I need an amputation below or above my knee?
A major amputation can be either below the knee or a bove the knee. The surgeon decides if you need an amputation below or above your knee. The end of the leg that remains after an amputation is called the stump. There are risks and benefits of any kind of surgery.