Abstract
Objective: Soft dressing using elastic bandages has been generally applied after lower limb amputation. However, due to stump edema, a long period has been required until measurement could be obtained for the production of a temporary prosthesis. As a result, hospital stay was prolonged. We have developed a new system using Immediate Post-Operative Prosthesis using a Silicone Socket (IPOPSS). This IPOPSS system allows both easy wound-dressing change and frequent observation by removing the socket, and early rehabilitation by immediate postoperative prosthetic fitting. To investigate the hospitalization period, we compared soft dressing with the IPOPSS method.
Materials and Methods: The subjects were 21 patients (22 affected limbs) who were postoperatively managed with IPOPSS between January 2003 and January 2005. The cause of amputation was peripheral vascular disease in 7 limbs, diabetic ulcer in 6, malignant tumor in 5, and infection in 4. Between 1978 and 2002, we managed 45 limbs by applying soft dressing postoperatively.
Results: Concerning the hospitalization period, IPOPSS fitting was performed after lower limb amputation, the mean interval between surgery and measurement was 35 days, and that between surgery and discharge was 49 days. Using soft dressing, the mean interval between surgery and measurement was 53 days, and that between surgery and discharge was 116 days.
Conclusions: The hospitalization period was shortened by IPOPSS compared with the conventional postoperative management method.
