Removable Rigid Dressings for Postoperative Management of Transtibial Amputations: A Review of Published Evidence

Abstract

II.

Removable Rigid Dressings for the Post-Operative Management of Leg Amputations

“…Understanding how to best provide care following an LLA can help to achieve optimal long-term health outcomes. 6 Post-surgery management aims to provide a clean healing environment, reduce swelling and pain, protect the limb from external trauma, reduce incidence of knee flexion contractions, reduce hospital length of stay, reduce time to casting for a prosthesis, and allow for quicker return to daily living activities. 6 One aspect of post-surgery management is the choice of dressing used.…”

“…6 Post-surgery management aims to provide a clean healing environment, reduce swelling and pain, protect the limb from external trauma, reduce incidence of knee flexion contractions, reduce hospital length of stay, reduce time to casting for a prosthesis, and allow for quicker return to daily living activities. 6 One aspect of post-surgery management is the choice of dressing used. Dressings used following LLAs include soft dressings, non-removable rigid dressings, and removable rigid dressings (RRDs); each with different features, advantages, and disadvantages.…”

“…Dressings used following LLAs include soft dressings, non-removable rigid dressings, and removable rigid dressings (RRDs); each with different features, advantages, and disadvantages. 6 Soft dressings are relatively low-cost, easy to apply, and allow for the wound to be checked if needed. 1,6 However, they are associated with greater risk of injury from external trauma and increased risk of knee flexion contractures.…”

“…6 Soft dressings are relatively low-cost, easy to apply, and allow for the wound to be checked if needed. 1,6 However, they are associated with greater risk of injury from external trauma and increased risk of knee flexion contractures. 6 They also have a tendency to fall off more easily, and could place uneven pressures on the residual limb, if not applied correctly, which may inhibit healing.…”

“…1,6 However, they are associated with greater risk of injury from external trauma and increased risk of knee flexion contractures. 6 They also have a tendency to fall off more easily, and could place uneven pressures on the residual limb, if not applied correctly, which may inhibit healing. 6 In contrast, rigid dressings can provide more protection to the limb from external trauma; however, they are more difficult to apply.…”