PREVENTION of contractures
A child with an amputated leg does not use his leg
normally. He usually keeps it bent, and he tends to develop
contractures of the hip or knee (or both).
Therefore, special positioning and exercises are needed
to prevent contractures and maintain full range of motion
(see Chapter 42).
AMPUTATIONS 229
Contractures here and
here will need to be
straightened before
this child can be fitted
with a limb.
POSITIONS
Encourage positions that keep the joints stretched, and avoid those that keep the
joint bent.
CORRECT
CORRECT
WRONG
CORRECT
WRONG
ONLY WHEN
NECESSARY
FOR MOVING
ABOUT
WRONG
padded
post
CORRECT
BETTER
(But it can
still cause hip
contractures.)
CORRECT
If contractures have
already developed,
try to position the
child in ways that
stretch them.
STRETCHING EXERCISES
car tire inner
tube pulling
joints straighter
Be sure
hips are
straight.
weight
disabled village children