Abstract
Patients with above knee amputation (AKA) face many challenges to mobility including difficulty with socket fit and fatigue due to high energy consumption. The aim of the Endo-Exo-Femur Prosthesis (EEFP) is to avoid problems at the interface between the sleeve of the socket-prosthesis and the soft tissue coat of the femur stump which often impedes an inconspicuous and harmonic gait. In 1999 we began using a transcutaneous, press-fit distal femoral intramedullary device whose most distal external aspect serves as a hard point for AKA prosthesis attachment. The bone guided prosthesis enables an advanced gait via osseoperception and leads to a decreased oxygen consumption of the patient. Thirty two patients underwent the procedure between 1999 and 2008. Their indication for surgery was persistent AKA prosthesis difficulties with a history of AKA for trauma. The paper presents the patient data regarding the design of the implant, the operative procedure, patient satisfaction, gait analysis and oxygen consumption.