Eighty-five lower-limb amputees with ninety subsequent fractures of the
residual limb were studied retrospectively. Most of the fractures were
managed by non-operative methods, with the exception of unstable
intertrochanteric fractures and displaced fractures of the femoral neck.
Indications for operative and non-operative treatment in below-the-knee and
above-the-knee amputees are outlined. No indication was found for
reamputation through the fracture site. Before fracture, all amputees used
a prosthesis. After healing of the fracture, 97 per cent of the patients
with amputation below the knee and 82 per cent of those with amputation
above the knee resumed use of a prosthesis.