Total knee replacement in a transtibial amputee

Abstract

We present the case of a man in his 60s with a transtibial amputation (TTA) undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) for symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA). It is unusual to develop OA in the ipsilateral knee to TTA; and while it is postulated that this is because patients preferentially load their unaffected limb to protect the TTA-sided knee, there is also the ability to offload specific knee compartments through prosthetic adjustment. When planning TKR in such patients, it is important to consider several technical challenges in order to prevent a poor outcome. The literature is sparse with evidence to guide decision-making, and this case report and literature review aims to summarise our preoperative planning and intraoperative technique, which ultimately resulted in a good outcome.

Keywords: Orthopaedic and trauma surgery; Orthopaedics.