Active Transtibial Patient post Bell's Palsy
Brett Saunders
Description
Collection
Title:
Active Transtibial Patient post Bell's Palsy
Creator:
Brett Saunders
Date:
7/6/2011
Text:
A 64 year old physically fit very active transtibial amputee was diagnosed
with Bell's palsy last year. The facial paralysis has cleared up but an
issue concerning the residual limb that began at the time of onset remains.
The patient has been an prosthetic user for the past 12 years and is an avid
hiker. The amputation was due to trauma. He is healthy without diabetes or
heart complications.
Since the onset of the Bell's palsy, can only walk 3/8-1/2 mile before the
feeling of swelling of the residual limb swells and it is very uncomfortable
for him to continue walking in the prosthesis. His solution is to release
the pinlock and stand leaning against a tree for 5-10 minutes until the
discomfort and swelling resolve, then to don the prosthesis and continue.
Examination of the residual limb shows no excessive pressure indicators or
areas of irritation. Measurements do not show swelling, but this is what
the patient feels. Walking in the office and outside show a properly
aligned prosthesis and a patient with a very smooth gait.
His current prosthesis is a gel liner with pinlock, TSB socket, & Talux foot
system. He appears to be fitting well at a 2 ply sock fit and is not distal
end bearing.
The patient has rejected suction and vacuum sockets and prefers the pinlock
suspension.
Prior to the palsy, this patient hiked many miles a day without discomfort
in this prosthesis.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
Brett Saunders, CPO
with Bell's palsy last year. The facial paralysis has cleared up but an
issue concerning the residual limb that began at the time of onset remains.
The patient has been an prosthetic user for the past 12 years and is an avid
hiker. The amputation was due to trauma. He is healthy without diabetes or
heart complications.
Since the onset of the Bell's palsy, can only walk 3/8-1/2 mile before the
feeling of swelling of the residual limb swells and it is very uncomfortable
for him to continue walking in the prosthesis. His solution is to release
the pinlock and stand leaning against a tree for 5-10 minutes until the
discomfort and swelling resolve, then to don the prosthesis and continue.
Examination of the residual limb shows no excessive pressure indicators or
areas of irritation. Measurements do not show swelling, but this is what
the patient feels. Walking in the office and outside show a properly
aligned prosthesis and a patient with a very smooth gait.
His current prosthesis is a gel liner with pinlock, TSB socket, & Talux foot
system. He appears to be fitting well at a 2 ply sock fit and is not distal
end bearing.
The patient has rejected suction and vacuum sockets and prefers the pinlock
suspension.
Prior to the palsy, this patient hiked many miles a day without discomfort
in this prosthesis.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
Brett Saunders, CPO
Citation
Brett Saunders, “Active Transtibial Patient post Bell's Palsy,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/232731.
