Prosthetic fitting immediately after below-knee amputation.

Frequently surgical amputation of a lower extremity is required when gangrene develops as a result of peripheral vascular disease. This is particularly true in geriatric patients. A below-knee amputation, with refinements in the surgical procedure, and immediate rigid-cast prosthetic fitting are strongly advocated by our group. The progress of two patients treated in this manner is described. Preservation of the knee joint improves the amputee's prognosis for ambulation with a below-knee prosthesis. The rigid-cast dressing on the below-knee amputation reduces edema and postoperative pain, is of psychologic value to the patient, and permits him to stand at from one to two days postoperatively.