Orthopaedic Complications in Bilateral Lower Limb Amputation

Lower limb amputation is the most common type of amputation in veterans. The aim of the study was to assess the orthopaedic problems in war related bilateral lower limb amputees. In a cross-sectional study 335 out of 578 survivors with bilateral lower limb amputation were assessed by three orthopaedic surgeons. The mean age was 42.05±6.3 and 97.6% were male. The most common cause of amputation was land mine 89.7% (601 limbs). Both trans-tibia was the most common level of amputation 37.6% (126 people). The length of stump in about half of the survivors was short or tall. The most common orthopaedic problems were spasm of stump muscle 42.7% (281 limbs) which was followed by heterotypic ossification 11.55% (76 limbs) neuroma 10.2% (67 limbs) and inflammation 10.1% (67 limbs). About 10.9% of survivors needed stump revision. The study revealed that the prevalence of orthopaedic complications among the amputees was high. Regular and routine assessment rehabilitation programs and treatment is necessary for the bilateral lower limb amputees.