Multidisciplinary team approach to residual limb lengthening using the Ilizarov technique: A case study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A 47-year-old male suffered a traumatic transtibial amputation; initial limb use was unsuccessful and the short tibial length was thought to be the cause of failure. CASE DESCRIPTION AND METHODS: The patient underwent gradual tibia lengthening using the Ilizarov technique and utilised a weight-bearing prosthesis to expedite bone growth and repair. FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES: The patient is now able to use his prosthesis successfully without aids.
CONCLUSION: This case study demonstrates that combining a scientifically based surgical technique with a tailored rehabilitation approach had an improved outcome for the patient. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study reports one case where tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov technique combined with a collaborative team approach has enabled a patient to return to successful prosthetic limb use. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.