Surgical Fixation of a Comminuted Inter-Trochanteric Fracture in a Patient with Bilateral Below Knee Amputation

Abstract

Surgical fixation of hip fractures in patients with below knee amputation is challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining optimal traction for reduction of the fracture. Surgeons may face difficulty in positioning such patients on the traction table due to the absence of the foot and distal lower limb. There are several techniques described to overcome this technical difficulty. In this case report, we present a case of a 64-year old gentleman with bilateral below knee amputation presenting with a comminuted right intertrochanteric fracture. We highlight a simple and effective method of applying skin traction to obtain adequate reduction for hip fracture fixation.

Keywords

• hip fracture
• amputation
• comminution
• traction