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Interlimb muscle and fat comparisons in persons with lower-limb amputation
Vanessa D Sherk1, Michael G Bemben, Debra A Bemben
1Bone Density Research Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73109, USA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|July 6, 2010
Summary
Individuals with transfemoral (TF) and transtibial (TT) amputations show significant muscle atrophy and increased fat in their residual limbs. Limb differences, particularly in muscle size, were more pronounced in TF amputees compared to TT amputees.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Lower-limb amputation significantly alters body composition and tissue distribution.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for optimizing prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare muscle and fat tissue composition between amputated and intact limbs in individuals with transfemoral (TF) and transtibial (TT) amputations.
- To determine how the level of amputation (TF vs. TT) influences these tissue differences.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed in a laboratory setting.
- Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) was used to measure muscle and fat cross-sectional areas in residual and intact limbs.
- Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessed thigh bone-free lean body mass and fat mass (FM).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in muscle cross-sectional areas were observed between limbs for both TF and TT amputees (93%-117%).
- Transtibial amputees showed a 39% difference in fat cross-sectional areas between limbs.
- Amputated limbs exhibited lower bone-free lean body mass and FM, with higher thigh percent fat, especially in TF subjects.
Conclusions:
- Muscle atrophy is prevalent in the residual limbs of individuals with lower-limb amputations.
- Increased relative fat content in the thighs is a notable finding, particularly pronounced in transfemoral amputees.
