title: Leg amputation and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: A case report with 15 years of follow-up.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a rare disease characterized by widespread blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, which may ultimately prompt limb amputation. In this context, the outcome of fitting a prosthesis to a chronically wounded stump is not well known. Our patient's experience (with 15 years of follow-up) should contribute to better knowledge of this topic.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 37-year-old man presented with severe dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Recurrent skin carcinoma had led to an amputation below the knee. Despite incessant development of blisters on the stump and the need for wound dressing and padding, the patient has been able to walk freely with a prosthesis and a cane. A large number of skin sarcomas were excised over the 15-year period of prosthesis use. Two falls have resulted in limb fractures. A new sarcoma on the stump marked the end of the use of the prosthesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the constant presence of wounds on the stump, amputees with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa can successfully be fitted with a prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, University hospital, FR-59000 Lille, France. andre.thevenon@chru-lille.fr.
authors.forename: André
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thevenon
authors.forename: Marguerite
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Preud'homme
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Patenotre
authors.forename: Benoit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Catteau
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blanchard-Dauphin
authors.forename: Valérie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wieczorek
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tiffreau
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016108:Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*