Questions about stump care...

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Specializes in LTAC, Homehealth, Hospice Case Manager.

If a patient has an above the knee amputation that has completely dehissed to the point that even bone is visible, how would this be prepared for a prosthesis? Would this even still be a possible option for this patient? What type of rehab would be needed? I had this patient in clinicals last week & was just curious what the options would be. :confused: Thank you to anybody who can help. :)

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

If this person is planning on having a prothesis, then might need a surgical consult.

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I've cared for several amputations that had failed or delayed healing for one reason or an other. Depending on the circumstances they went back to surgery days, weeks or even months later for a revision. The revisions may or may not have included removing some more bone if there was inadequate skin & tissue to fashion a stump appropriate for a prosthetic.

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An open stump can't be fit for a prosthesis. If it's open to the bone, then the surgeons need to get in there and re-evaluate it. It will probably need to be closed surgically. I've seen stumps with smaller dehiscence get a wound vac applied. As long as it's open, the patient can forget a prosthesis.

Wanda Cooksey RN, CM

Case Manager

University Rehabilitation Center

Jackson, MS

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