Articular cartilage atrophy in lower limb amputees.

A retrospective and radiologic survey of the hips of 53 above-knee amputees showed that none of these hips was normal. Osteoporosis was present in all subjects, and cartilage thickness was reduced in 27 cases. This reduced thickness was inversely correlated with stump length, since it occurred in 11 of 13 upper-third amputees, but in none of 10 lower-third amputees. The mechanisms of cartilage atrophy are discussed.