Successful management of femoral trauma in a through-knee amputee with a previous malunited fracture: Implications and functional outcome:

Background:After amputation patients are more likely to injure their residual limb. An injury of a previously amputated limb, especially if the residuum is not anatomically normal, poses a dilemma for management.Case Description and Methods:This case report discusses a femoral fracture sustained proximal to a through-knee amputation.Findings and outcomes:The fracture was at the site of a malunited fracture. A shortening osteotomy with bone graft was undertaken to improve alignment and prosthetic fit and remove poor-quality bone. This was stabilised using an intramedullary nail, supplemented with an anti-rotation plate. This fracture went on to uneventful union, and the patient was able to comfortably use a prosthesis with increased functionality compared with prior to the recent injury.Discussion:This management enabled quick healing of the fracture without the need to resort to a more proximal amputation.Conclusion:In these unusual cases, careful planning is necessary to ensure all aspects of the problem...