Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of stump ulcer repairing in people affected by leprosy (PALs). Methods Bone shortening and osteophyte removal were performed in 73 PALs amputees with stump ulcers. Results All the incisions were healed without any delay. During a follow-up period of 3～12 years, no relapse or new ulcers were found in 70 PALs. 3 PALs developed new ulcers, which were healed after debridement, resting, and prosthesis repairing. Conclusion Surgical revision of the bone in amputation stump can change the local distribution of pressure. Postoperative self-care teaching to the PALs and their sustaining daily self-care will finally prevent them from stump ulcer recurring.

Key words: leprosy, prosthesis, stump ulcer, surgery