Amputation stump management: A narrative review

Abstract

In this review intended for medical staff involved in patient rehabilitation, we provided an overview of the basic methods for managing amputation stumps. After the amputation surgery, it is imperative to optimize the remaining physical abilities of the amputee through rehabilitation processes, including postoperative rehabilitation, desensitization, and continuous application of soft or rigid dressings for pain reduction and shaping of the stump. Depending on the situation, a prosthesis may be worn in the early stage of recovery or an immediate postoperative prosthesis may be applied to promote stump maturation. Subsequently, to maintain the range of motion of the stump and to prevent deformation, the remaining portion of the limb should be positioned to prevent contracture. Continuous exercises should also be performed to improve muscle strength to ensure that the amputee is able to perform activities of daily living, independently. Additionally, clean wound or edema management of the stump is necessary to prevent problems associated with wearing the prosthesis. Our review is expected to contribute to the establishment of basic protocols that will be useful for stump management from the time of completion of amputation surgery to the fitting of a prosthesis to optimize patient recovery. © 2022