RT Journal
A1 Tucker, MAJ Christopher J.
A1 Wilken, Jason M.
A1 Stinner, Daniel J.
A1 Kirk, LTC Kevin L.
T1 A Comparison of Limb-Socket Kinematics of Bone-Bridging and Non-Bone-Bridging Wartime Transtibial Amputations
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2012
FD May 16
VO 94
IS 10
SP 924
OP 930
DO 10.2106/JBJS.K.00605
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.K.00605
AB Background: 
  While there are proponents of both bone-bridging and non-bone-bridging transtibial amputation techniques, there is a lack of evidence describing functional differences between these two techniques. The goal of the present investigation was to objectively compare the techniques of bone-bridging and non-bone-bridging with respect to limb socket displacement during physiologic loading.Methods: 
  Fifteen male subjects with an average age of twenty-seven years (range, twenty-two to thirty-two years) who had undergone a unilateral transtibial amputation secondary to a traumatic wartime injury were prospectively evaluated. Seven patients had undergone a bone-bridging amputation, and eight had undergone a non-bone-bridging amputation. Digital fluoroscopic video was used to measure the vertical displacement of the limb within a total-surface-bearing socket with weight-bearing from 0% to 100% of body weight.Results: 
  There was no difference in limb-socket displacement between amputation techniques with initial loading (12.78 mm for the bone-bridging group, compared with 12.43 mm for the non-bone-bridging group; p = 0.88) or with total loading (p = 0.98). Similarly, there was no difference between suspension mechanisms in limb-socket displacement with initial loading (12.15 mm for patients with pin lock suspension, compared with 12.98 mm for those with suction sleeve suspension; p = 0.72) or with total loading (18.24 mm for patients with pin lock suspension, compared with 21.42 mm for those with suction sleeve suspension, p = 0.21).Conclusions: 
  The current study demonstrated no difference between surgical techniques with respect to bone-socket displacement. These data provide no evidence to support statements that bone-bridging contributes to a more efficient platform in the total-surface-bearing socket.Level of Evidence: 
  Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.