A biomechanical model for the transmetatarsal amputation.
The transmetatarsal amputation has been performed for over 40 years as a limb salvage procedure, in diabetic patients with nonhealing ulcerations or nonreconstructible ischemia. It is generally believed that the transmetatarsal amputation provides a better walking extremity than a more proximal amputation and is more energy efficient. A review of the literature reveals little regarding the biomechanics of the "short foot." The authors will review the functions of the myofascial structures in both the normal foot and the transmetatarsal amputation and discuss the influence of mechanics on transmetatarsal amputation lesions.
Chrzan
J S
JS
Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Giurini
J M
JM
Hurchik
J M
JM
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008684:Metatarsus / Q000601:surgery*; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology