2023 Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 53-59
We report a patient with chronic limb-threatening ischemia based on diabetes mellitus who was able to acquire prosthesis walking using a saddle-type body weight-supported walker（SBWSW）following left below-knee amputation. The aim of this case report was to verify the utility of the SBWSW. The patient was a 67-year-old female. Dry gangrene extended from all left toes to the rearfoot, which necessitated left lower leg below-knee amputation. The level of activities of daily living（ADL）at admission indicated that moderate to maximum caregiving were necessary（Barthel index: 30）. From preoperation until the provisional prosthesis was completed, she practiced standing and walking using the SBWSW. In addition, she actively practiced walking with a crutch, and training for ADL. At the time of discharge, the patient was able to wear a prosthesis and walk independently with a cane（0.76 m/s）for up to 600 m. The SBWSW assists in strengthening the muscles of the lower limb on the unaffected side and allows patients with disuse syndrome and difficulty walking before surgery to increase their walking endurance with a low load and high frequency. Our findings suggest that the SBWSW is useful in gait training.
