Prosthetic management of a Chopart amputation variant

Abstract

The history and prosthetic difficulties of a patient with an unusual Chopart amputation variant have been presented. Although it is possible for the Chopart amputee to walk with just a shoe and filler, this patient does best with a formal prosthesis. The Chopart amputation, which has been surgically stabilized with Achilles tendon lengthening to prevent equinus contractures, can be fitted successfully with a lightweight circumferential plastic or silicone prosthesis or more traditionally with a solid ankle foot orthosis with filler. This partial foot prosthesis is worn with a sturdy shoe with a rocker and solid ankle cushion heel or a well constructed running shoe. The Chopart amputee with equinus contractures must be fitted with a Chopart clamshell prosthesis or solid ankle patellar tendon bearing orthosis with filler and the above shoe prescription. Recent variants of the partial foot prosthesis including the Imler partial foot prosthesis, the Lange silicone prosthesis, and the ankle corset prosthesis were described.