With foot deformities and insensate feet, Spina Bifida patients are at risk of foot skin breakdown, pressure ulcers, and osteomyelitis. Rarely, pressure ulcers progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Spina Bifida patients may require limb amputation for osteomyelitis, foot ulcers, and squamous cell carcinoma. There is concern that transtibial amputations would have poor functional outcomes in Spina Bifida patients because of lower-extremity weakness.
However, there is no available literature on transtibial amputation outcomes in this population. More distal calcanectomy and Symes amputations have been successful in restoring ambulation in lower-level Spina Bifida patients. https://journals.lww.com/ajpmr/Fulltext/2015/11000/From_Wheelchair_to_Cane__Elective_Transtibial.10.aspx
Foot Care for Amputees
LOOK
Check your feet every day for any changes and use a hand mirror to see underneath your feet.
PROTECT
Wear correct fitting shoes and never go barefoot
PREVENT
Don’t allow problems to occur – wash and dry your feet properly every day.
SEEK
If you notice any changes immediately seek medical advice from a foot care professional
DO
Have an annual foot check from a podiatrist.
For more information, you can search http://www.limbs4life.org.
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