Final answer:
The #1 contracture problem after a below-knee amputation (BKA) is knee flexion contracture, which refers to the tightening or shortening of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that act on the knee joint.
Step-by-step explanation:
The #1 contracture problem after a below-knee amputation (BKA) is knee flexion contracture.
Knee flexion contracture refers to the tightening or shortening of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that act on the knee joint, resulting in a limited range of motion and the inability to fully straighten the knee. This can occur due to factors such as muscle imbalances, insufficient stretching and physical therapy, or prolonged immobilization after surgery.
Treating knee flexion contracture after a BKA usually involves a combination of physical therapy exercises, stretching, and sometimes the use of orthotic devices to gradually improve the range of motion and alleviate the contracture.