Prosthetic ambulation in a paraplegic patient with a transfemoral amputation and radial nerve palsy

Yonsei Med J. 2000 Aug;41(4):512-6. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2000.41.4.512.

Abstract

Great importance and caution should be placed on prosthetic fitting for a paraplegic patient with an anesthetic residual limb if functional ambulation is to be achieved. The combination of paraplegia with a transfemoral amputation and radial nerve palsy is a complex injury that makes the rehabilitation process difficult. This article describes a case of L2 paraplegia with a transfemoral amputation and radial nerve palsy on the right side. Following the rehabilitation course, the patient independently walked using a walker at indoor level with a transfemoral prosthesis with ischial containment socket, polycentric knee assembly, endoskeletal shank and multiaxis foot assembly and a knee ankle foot orthosis on the sound side. The difficulties of fitting a functional prosthesis to an insensate limb and the rehabilitation stages leading to functional ambulation are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amputation, Surgical*
  • Artificial Limbs*
  • Femur / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Paraplegia / rehabilitation*
  • Radial Nerve*