TITLE:
Positioning a Patient with a Leg Amputation Stump on the Orthopedic Table
AUTHORS:
Mayoro Sow, Malick Diop, Badara Dembele, Mohamed Daffe, André Daniel Sane
KEYWORDS:
Lower-Limb Amputee, DHS Osteosynthesis, Transcondylar Traction, Orthopedic Table
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.16 No.8,
August
17,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Patients with lower-limb amputation presenting with an ipsilateral femoral neck fracture for which conservative surgical management is indicated pose a challenge in positioning on the orthopedic table. We describe a simple technique to overcome this difficulty. Case Report: A 39-year-old female presented with a Garden type I femoral neck fracture. Osteosynthesis using a dynamic hip screw (DHS) was indicated. The history of leg amputation made positioning on the orthopedic table complex. The patient was placed in the supine position, with the contralateral limb supported in a gynecological holder. Transcondylar femoral traction using a Steinmann pin allowed mobilization of the affected limb and facilitated the procedure under fluoroscopic guidance. Conclusion: Head-preserving internal fixation of proximal femoral fractures in amputee patients represents a real challenge, particularly regarding positioning on the orthopedic table.