Information for patients following a below knee amputation
What is a removable rigid dressing (RRD)?
It is a soft dressing which follows to the shape of your amputated leg. It is then made firm by using a small pump to create a vacuum in the dressing. It will then perfectly match the size and shape of your amputated leg. This helps to prevent further swelling and provides protection from knocks or falls. It is held in place with velcro straps. These allow the dressing to be taken off easily to allow inspection of the wound.
Why should you wear it?
Protection
The RRD aims to give a protective covering which can help to avoid pain from knocking your amputated leg when transferring. It also gives protection from falls.
Immobilisation
The RRD helps to prevent the knee from remaining in a bent position. It does this by holding your knee straight after surgery. By using the RRD and doing the exercises given you can prevent a fixed, bent knee (contracture) developing. It is very important to have a straight knee to walk well with an artificial leg.
Help prevent excessive swelling
By wearing the RRD it can help to reduce the amount of swelling you have after surgery.
A speedier recovery
We have found that by reducing the amount of swelling the rehab process can be faster. This means we can start to make the artificial limb earlier. Walking training is quicker too.
When do I wear it?
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The RRD will be applied in theatre after your amputation. It will stay while you are in hospital.
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The RRD is released for 2, 30 minute periods each day. This allows any condensation to evaporate. You will be shown how to release the dressing yourself so that you can remove it when you need to.
- After 5 days you will be given a swelling control sock. This is for you to wear as well as the RRD. It is for during the day only.
If you notice any red areas or blisters after wearing the RRD please tell your nurse or doctor.
The nurses will carefully monitor your skin and amputated leg. The RRD should be worn over appropriate padding material. It should never be in contact with your skin, ideally over a thin pair of pyjamas.
Contact us
Specialist Rehabilitation and Mobility Centre,
Lower Ground Floor,
Cumberland Infirmary
Carlisle,
CA2 7HY
Call 01228 814783
Open from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm
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For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302