Postoperative Management for the Transtibial Amputee

Part I

Abstract

The advantages of a well-executed below-knee amputation are lost without a similarly well-executed postoperative plan. The purpose of this article is to provide an outline of a postoperative protocol for the transtibial amputee using a surgeon's cast and removable rigid dressing. This multidisciplinary approach (surgeon, prosthetist, and physical therapist) has reduced healing times, allowing patients to achieve productive ambulation on a definitive prosthesis 6 weeks after amputation.