Following transtibial amputation, the stump is wrapped in an elastic bandage applied in a figure-of-eight pattern extending above the knee. The primary purpose of this regimen is:

• A To reduce oedema and mould the stump into a conical shape ✓
• B To immobilise the knee joint and prevent flexion contracture
• C To promote callus formation over the cut tibial end
• D To prevent neuroma formation at the nerve endings

Explanation

Firm distal-to-proximal figure-of-eight elastic wrapping controls postoperative oedema, shrinks and matures the residual limb, and prepares it for socket fitting. Note that modern teaching favours a gently tapered cylindrical contour over an old-style conical shaping, but the wrap still serves oedema control and shaping. It does not prevent neuromas, which form regardless of dressings, and it does not fix the knee, so option B fails.

Reference: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.