A transtibial (below-knee) amputee is being fitted for a prosthesis. Which residual limb length is considered ideal for prosthetic fitting and function?
- A Very short (<5 cm below tibial tuberosity)
- B Medium (5–15 cm below tibial tuberosity), preserving the gastrocnemius muscle for padding ✓
- C Long residual limb (>20 cm), just above the ankle
- D Through-knee (Gritti-Stokes) level
Correct answer: B. Medium (5–15 cm below tibial tuberosity), preserving the gastrocnemius muscle for padding
Explanation
The ideal transtibial residual limb length is 12–15 cm below the tibial tuberosity, providing a long lever arm for prosthetic control and enough soft tissue for adequate padding and socket fit. Excessively short stumps lack leverage; very long stumps may have poor vascularity and are difficult to fit with a comfortable socket due to limited soft-tissue coverage of the fibula. The Gritti-Stokes level is a knee disarticulation variant, not transtibial.
Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.