A rigid plaster dressing applied immediately after transtibial amputation serves which primary functional purpose beyond wound protection?

• A Prevents post-operative infection by maintaining a sterile environment
• B Reduces post-operative oedema, shapes the residual limb, and allows early controlled ambulation with a pylon, accelerating rehabilitation ✓
• C Maintains the knee in extension, preventing hip flexion contracture
• D Immobilises the tibio-fibular interosseous membrane, reducing non-union risk

Explanation

Immediate post-operative rigid dressings (IPORD) reduce dependent oedema (gravity and compression), shrink and shape the stump into a cylindrical form favourable for socket fitting, reduce pain (stump contact pressure reduces phantom and stump pain), and allow attachment of a temporary pylon for early ambulation within 24–48 hours. This accelerates prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation compared to soft dressings. They do not provide sterility or fix the interosseous membrane.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.