Amputees Support Group

I do know some BK's who have had great success with the Ertl procedure, but I must say that I don't recommend their AK version. I speak not only from my own experience, but four other AK's that have had the procedure (performed by Dr. Ertl) with poor results. In all cases, the muscle which is wrapped around the bone and then secured has come "undone". So I recommend YES for BK's but a huge NO for AK's! (Thus my 3-star recommendation)

I had 6 days in the hosiptal to decide if I wanted to save the leg or take it off, So I didn't know anything about differant ways of of amputetion. Plus if they did that with my first surgies then they would of have done it with the other 7 because it got infected and almost took my knee so I am very short so I am not going to try this for the worry that something might go wrong and they would have to take my knee.

Dennis

I have done a lot of researchon the Ertl procedure, as per Tigertatt's suggestion (thanks!) and have decided to go with it. I am going to be a RBKA, and since I already deal with nerve issuese in that leg, I think that I will have better outcomes with the nerve retraction in this procedure. I got lucky when I called my surgeon back and asked if he happened to do the Ertl (sounds like a dance move, doesn't it?) and he said that he is familiar with it, but that we have a Dr. Ertl at the clinic at the sister hospital to where I go. How freakin' lucky is that? I am getting set up with an appointment to see him in the next week or so-- can't wait to get this thing done and over with, and ON WITH MY LIFE!