While prosthetic devices have come a long way over the years, it can still be challenging to find a good fit for active individuals. This is especially concerning for young kids receiving treatment for cancer in the lower extremities, such as osteosarcoma. You want your child to partake in all the normal, childhood activities after treatment is complete, and rotationplasty is an innovative surgical procedure that helps achieve this goal.

What Is Rotationplasty?

Tumors occurring in the lower limbs can be challenging to treat. While surgery often provides a good prognosis, removal of the knee and surrounding components greatly limits mobility, even with the use of a suitable prosthetic device.

Doctors overcome these issues by using rotationplasty, which essentially uses the patient’s ankle to function as the new knee joint. The procedure starts with an amputation of the affected leg from the knee down.

After the tumor is removed from the limb, it’s reattached to the remaining portion of the limb and rotated by 180 degrees. Once the patient has completely healed, he or she can be fitted with a special prosthesis that accommodates the new “knee” and ensures normal function. 

What Benefits Does This Procedure Offer Patients?

People who’ve undergone rotationplasty typically exert greater control over their prosthetic devices, which enables running, walking, jumping, and other actions. While it’s crucial for cancer treatment to be a success, amputations have challenges of their own.

Namely, there is a fear that mobility will prove so challenging that it can dissuade a person from pursuing an active lifestyle. Because rotationplasty recreates knee function, these challenges are not so formidable. 

Reattaching the lower limb with this method also helps with balance and coordination. This is because the essential nerves and blood vessels in the reattached lower leg remain intact and functional. With the right prosthesis and physical therapy, most kids can resume normal functions. 

After rotationplasty, kids have the best chance of a successful recovery when they receive a skillfully made prosthetic device. Serving the greater Cincinnati area, National Prosthetics & Orthotics has a reputation for innovative service to patients of all ages. Their close working relationship with the local Children's Hospital ensures they can provide skilled treatment to children. They also offer plenty of follow-up guidance to ensure your child has the best outcome. Please call (859) 442-0400 to schedule a consultation. You can also learn more about their prosthesis services online.