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Multidisciplinary preoperative assessment and late function in dysvascular amputees
M S Pinzur1, F Littooy, J Daniels
1STAMP (Special Teams for Amputations, Mobility, Prosthetics/Orthoics) Center, Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, Illinois.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Peripheral vascular insufficiency patients can maintain walking independence after lower-extremity amputation. Multidisciplinary evaluation aids in selecting amputation levels and prosthetic fitting for optimal functional outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Vascular Surgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Peripheral vascular insufficiency frequently necessitates lower-extremity amputation.
- Maintaining ambulation is crucial for patient independence and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate functional ambulation outcomes in adults undergoing lower-extremity amputation due to peripheral vascular insufficiency.
- To assess the impact of presurgical evaluation and amputation level on long-term walking ability.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 95 adults with peripheral vascular insufficiency underwent lower-extremity amputation.
- Patients were assessed pre-amputation and at a minimum two-year follow-up using a seven-level functional grading system.
- A multidisciplinary team provided presurgical evaluation for all participants.
Main Results:
- 84% of patients (76/90) ambulated within one functional level of their preamputation status at follow-up.
- Functional return was consistent regardless of comparing preamputation or surgical amputation levels.
- Increased functional ambulation correlated with higher prosthetic use and decreased walking aid use.
Conclusions:
- Lower-extremity amputation for peripheral vascular insufficiency does not preclude maintaining walking independence.
- Multidisciplinary presurgical evaluation is vital for optimizing amputation level selection and prosthetic fitting.
- Successful prosthetic limb fitting and rehabilitation are key to restoring functional ambulation.