Rehabilitation considerations of prosthetic fittings for Kaposi's sarcoma amputees

Abstract

Purpose : We report on cutaneous limb manifestations of Kaposi's sarcoma and the secondary infection of these lesions that necessitated five lower-limb amputations. Method : The cases are briefly described and prosthetic adaptations in respect to pressure, traction and sweating on the skin are considered. Results : All four patients ambulated initially; one lady died, the double amputee stopped walking owing to the excessive physical demand, and two patients ambulate freely. Conclusion : Special considerations to the cutaneous/prosthesis interface are necessary in order to provide these patients with optimal ambulatory ability.