Evaluation of use of the rigid dressing in amputation of the lower extremity.

Twenty-seven arteriosclerotic amputees were evaluated to determine the value of the rigid dressing technique for amputation wound management. Results were compared with those for patients having conventional stump wound management. The two groups were similar in number, age and incidence of diabetes. All the patients treated with the rigid dressing had primary healing of the amputation wound, while 13 patients treated with the conventional dressing had primary healing. Long term rehabilitation to the use of a prosthesis was not improved by the application of a rigid dressing on the amputation wound. Our current preference is use of the rigid dressing applied in the operating room at the time of amputation. If the wound is satisfactory and the general condition of the patient is such that he can use a temporary pylon, it is attached to the cast at the first change, about two weeks after operation.