Background:
Surgical reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures is a well-established procedure, and although it is for the vast majority of patients without severe complications, total knee joint arthroplasty, arthrodesis of the knee, and finally transfemoral amputation have to be considered in the worst-case scenario.
The case:
We report a case of a patient with a 13-year history of recurrent failure after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. She claimed she had severely impaired mobility secondary to a knee joint arthrodesis via an Ilizarov circular frame 2 years ago and chronic immobilizing pain, making a permanent medication with opioids necessary. She was aware of the therapeutic options and asked for transfemoral amputation and concomitant supply with a transcutaneous osseointegrated prosthesis system (TOPS).
Procedures:
After careful evaluation and clinical work-up, the indication for transfemoral amputation and concomitant implantation of the prosthetic stem into the femoral cavity was secured. Six weeks after the creation of the stoma for coupling of the artificial limb and onset of physiotherapy, balance and gait training were scheduled. Full weight-bearing and walking without crutches were allowed 12 weeks after the index procedure. This sequence of events was paralleled by a series of pre-defined examinations, that is, questionnaires and mobility scores addressing the situation of transfemoral amputees, as well as standardized clinical gait analysis. The latter was performed before surgery and 6, 9, and 18 months after the index procedure.
Outcome:
At the time of the index procedure, opioids could be tapered to zero, and the patient quickly regained her walking abilities during the rehabilitation period. Clinical gait analysis confirmed the restoration of bilateral symmetry by mutual approximation of kinematics and kinetics to a standard gait pattern.
Conclusion:
The outcome of our patient strengthens the therapeutic potential of a unilateral transfemoral amputation in combination with TOPS. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up is necessary to detect future complications of this approach.