Lower limb proximal amputation for a tumour: a retrospective study of 12 patients

To analyse survival, prosthetic fitting and functional status after trans-femoral amputation or hip disarticulation for a primitive tumour.

Retrospective study of all patients admitted since 1985.

Mean age at amputation was 55. Causes of amputation were osteosarcoma in 50%. Eight (8) patients had initial conservative surgery. Local recurrence was never observed. Nine (9) developed metastasis and required further hospitalisation. Fifty percent (50%) of patients died. Inpatient rehabilitation started 14 days after amputation (7-27), and was of a mean duration of 32 days. Prosthetic fitting was performed 13 days after admission (7 days when a liner was used). Further improvement of the prosthesis was performed in 10 patients. Among the patients who died, 5 had gone home, 4 were wearing their prosthesis all day long and 2 walked indoors with no additional support at discharge. Three (3) patients lived less than 2 months at home. Among the patients who did survive, all went home, 5 were wearing their prosthesis all day long and 2 walked indoors without aid at discharge. Two (2) patients practised sport and 4 drove. All the patients who were active have gone back to work.

Gain due to prosthesis provision is undebatable. Good functional results can be obtained with adapted materials. Initial problems due to the synchronisation of treatments are resolved with multidisciplinary care. All patients should have a rapid and short hospitalisation in a rehabilitation unit and receive a first, simple prosthesis that can be further adapted.