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The dimensions and healing of 93 consecutive below-knee stumps were studied and based on observations a standard formula of stump classification was constructed (and discussed at the ISPO Meeting in Bologna 1980).

In the literature a total of 27 cases of thoracic and lumbar fractures in ankylosing spondylitis have previously been reported in contrast to cervical fractures which are more common. Transvertebral fractures are relatively rare amounting to 8 cases. The majority of the fractures were transdiscal. Here three additional cases with four fractures are reported. Of these fractures two were transvertebral and two transdiscal. All reported fractures are reviewed regarding age, sex, trauma, fracture localization and type, neurologic complications and fracture healing. Compared to cervical fractures there are less neurological complications in thoracic and lumbar fractures (23%) in ankylosing spondylitis. These fractures mostly heal by moderate immobilisation. Attention should be paid to the possibility of fracture in ankylosing spondylitis even after minor trauma.

In order to reduce the need for repeated changes of socket due to postoperative atrophy and resorption of oedema simple temporary limbs are required to delay the casting of individual sockets until the stump is more mature. A randomized study of 95 below-knee amputees was performed with a re-usable temporary one-size prosthesis of endoskeletal type with adjustable tube length. Total contact was obtained by moulding a thin plastic pillow containing small plastic pellets around the stump in parallel connected sections. As air was evacuated the pillow became rigid. The pillow was kept in place about the stump by Velcro bands. Physiotherapists were able to make all adjustments and ambulate the patient 1–2 hours a day. The training started 2–4 weeks after amputation and lasted for 1–4 weeks. Healing problems due to training did not occur in well healed stumps where training started 3 weeks or more after amputation. No negative influence on maturing of stump, hospital stay and walking ability three months after amputation was found.