Once a patient has an amputation there is always a risk of falling and injuring the stump. This can
happen even when closely supervised. Patients can also just forget about their amputation and try to stand.
A rigid removable dressing, (RRD) helps prevent that from happening by providing a protective dressing for
the stump. The RRD can be applied in the operating room after amputation or within a few days after
surgery. There are a several different types of post-op dressing, such as the Ossur vacuum, plastic
prefabricated or direct formed with casting material.
Ossur has a vacuum formed RRD that is great for patients that are still in the hospital. It is
adjustable and reformable as the stump continues to mature. It also encompasses the knee and thigh which
reduces the chance of a flexion contracture .
The traditional RRD designed in 1968 by Dr , Burgess was cast with plaster ( and then
later fiberglass) with layers of socks and padding The cast was made with enough space that it was still
removable but snug enough to stay put. It was held on with a strap so that when the patient’s stump
reduces in size, the RRD will still stay on for protection. These RRD are usually below the knee so the
patient can still bend their knee which can lead to flexion contractions . After suture removal the patient can
progress to the use of an elastic stump shrinker or
Contact us at Benchmark Prosthetics 1-7172953073 to meet or talk to one of our licensed prosthetists
about the benefits of a rigid removable dressing.
Kraig Helberg CP LP PO000177
