Summary –
Following World War II, which left a large number of people with limb losses, a new evolution in artificial limbs began. In recent decades, however, developments in science, technology, and material engineering worldwide have helped advance limb loss out of the disability dimension and into the ability zone. Amputations are either upper or lower extremity, and lower extremity amputations are either above or below the knee. This webspace is focused on a small sub-group of below-knee amputations, with a short residual, known as BK-Short. BK-Short is a very difficult group to make prostheses for, because their residuals are too short to fit, leverage, or operate a standard prosthesis, and there is no standard prosthesis design or specialized components that are made for BK-Short thus far.
So, BK-Short individuals end up facing one of two options. Either extend those short residuals by an inch or two via a customized medical procedure to extend the bone, which is painful, costly, very involved, and takes a long time to heal (see picture below), or make a prosthesis with a thigh corset, which is very limiting and uncomfortable (see picture below). I know this because I have been a BK-Short with a 3-inch residual for 45 years, since the age of 17. Years ago, I had been offered a stump extension surgery, but I refused because I already had enough surgeries. I also tried several workarounds, including a thigh corset; most of them being terrible or failing. However, I met a special prosthetist in the early years who helped me get started with a unique concept that set me up on a successful course. Over the years, I’ve developed and perfected this concept successfully, using common components along with the latest material engineering. This has helped me live my life to the fullest. Now that I’m retired, I have created this webspace to share the latest developments and adaptations of those concepts with my fellow BK-Short amputees, in order to help them get started with a proven concept that works.
So, if you have 3”-6” inch residual below the knee, you are considered BK-Short, and this webspace is for you. If your residual is below 3” or above 6”, this webspace is not specifically for you, but it contains valuable information that is common to all below-knee amputees. It is important to note that the number of BK-Short amputees is quite small as a percentage of the below-knee amputee population. So, it is not hard to understand why there are only a handful of prosthetists with enough experience who can help. Also, since we are a tiny group, the industry as a whole has left us behind, especially when it comes to research and development. Why? There are not enough people in this small group to justify the cost of research and development, let alone a specific product line. In fact, there are no products or facilities that I am aware of which are specialized, focused on, or geared toward BK-Short. That is why BK-Short have continued to struggle. Also, there are not many reasonable options to help deal with or offset these short residuals. Without a creative solution, short residuals cannot leverage, operate, or take advantage of even the most advanced prosthesis.
Like all amputees, the common goal for BK-Short is to walk in a good prosthesis that allows most activities, with reasonable comfort. Since I have managed to do well, and now that I am retired and have more time, I want to give back by helping those with similar challenges. So, I’m sharing my challenge-based experiences, practical and inexpensive adaptations, which have allowed me to live an active lifestyle, relatively pain-free, and independently. This will help BK-Short amputees to get a head start and channel their energy in the right direction. Also, as I aged, I have faced struggles dealing with the consequences resulting from walking with a limp, specifically on the spine, hips, and pelvic floor. So, I have developed and will share some guidelines and remedies to help deal with those consequences.
Note: I do not make any money, nor do I get any discounts or perks by suggesting any of the brands mentioned in this webspace; my recommendations are strictly based on my own successful experience.
Objective –
Use my 45 years of experience and success to help my fellow BK-Short (3”-6”) develop their best prosthesis, using standard products and components. A prosthesis that will allow maximum potential by increasing mobility and diverse activity levels. A prosthesis that will reduce pain and stay reasonably comfortable. Also, help avoid a prosthesis with a thigh corset which is hard to walk in, very limiting, and annoying. Help avoid surgeries to extend your residual, which is painful, costly, very involved, and takes a long time to heal. Help avoid disappointment and paying a premium for experimental and unproven specialized components. Also, with years under my belt, I will provide my experienced-based remedies to offset the harm of walking with a limp on your body, including hip rotation, spinal misalignment, and pelvic floor issues. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause problems with urination, bowel movement, and possibly sexual dysfunction. Most importantly, take charge of your mobility by being knowledgeable and aware of what it takes for you to reach optimum performance and comfort. I share my knowledge and experience in hopes of helping BK-Short reach their best and move forward faster.
Problem –
The prosthetic industry is geared toward selling products and services in order to make money. While this is natural in a business sense, it is only beneficial to the larger audience of standard amputations of 6” or greater, thus leaving the smaller segments with 6” or less behind. My first and second prostheses were hideous and awkward, painful, heavy in weight, large in size, and offered little functionality, not to mention the challenge of finding pants that could fit. I was feeling truly disabled. But over the years, I learned what it takes to get the performance prosthesis without spinning all over the place and without paying a hefty price for disappointing or specialized and experimental components. Technology has changed dramatically in the material engineering arena, from a wooden leg with a spongy heel and rubbery toes that I had in 1977 to lightweight carbon fiber and other optimum components. But the one thing that has not changed is the need for accurate fitting, both socket and liner. Indeed, the human element is key for us. So, read on, learn how to become the human element of your own success. Nothing here is complicated or hard to understand, especially if you are desirous of doing better and staying comfortable while moving into a higher activity level.
Solution –
Nothing in this webspace is magical or out of reach for most people, just simple and practical adaptations and solutions developed through my 45 years of experience for my 3” residual. I have been determined to live my life to the fullest, refusing to conform to the frequent letdowns of bad solutions or inexperienced practices. Here is the thing— too long of a residual is a problem because there is less room for good foot components. Also, too short of a residual is a problem because there is not enough residual length to leverage or operate a standard prosthesis, which may lead to either a painful experience with a stump extension surgery or a bulky and limiting prosthesis with a thigh corset. So, while the ideal-sized residual is 6”-9” depending on your height, I was able to turn BK-Short residual-sized 3”-6”into the next best thing. My 3” residual operates my 24”-long performance prosthesis, which carries my 6-foot, 200-pound body around with each step. Thinking creatively, using ordinary practices, common components, some adaptations, tricks of my own, adjustments, and modifications, I did it for many years, and here you too will learn how.