URGENT: BK w/ lack of hamstrings

URGENT: BK w/ lack of hamstrings

Joan Cestaro, C.P.

10/16/2000

First off, I would simply like to say, THANK YOU, PAUL!

I have a BK who presented with moderate overall strength, mid 60's, minor
health problems. The problem is that he previously had an abscess on his
buttocks and I assume the gluteus maximum. The abscess caused him to have
part or all of this muscle removed and surrounding musculature modified.
This was several years ago and the MD is not available for consultation. I
am getting this info from patient's wife. Patient has good strength in all
musculature other than the hamstrings. Prior to amputation, he was walking
with the aid of a cane and states no major difficulties.

I am unsure of what the effects of very poor strength in the hamstrings will
do to his walking ability in a BK. I have consulted several therapists who
all have given adequate, but not real helpful insight prosthetically (is
that a word?) speaking. I know how the hamstrings function and can make
some conclusions myself. I fit him with a s/a foot and he did very well
initially other than lack of weight shifting. Since most new amputees do
this, it's hard to say whether it's a function of this weakness or not. And
even so, is there anything additional I can do prosthetically? There's that
word again! He starts P.T. this week.

Has anyone encountered a similar situation? Can I anticipate any future
problems? Any suggestions are welcomed. Thank you in advance,

Joan Cestaro, C.P.