Ambulatory Status following Major Lower Extremity Amputation.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Amputation Surgery Outcomes

Background:

• Ambulatory ability is a primary concern for patients undergoing lower extremity amputation (below or above knee).
• Understanding factors influencing post-amputation ambulation is crucial for patient care and rehabilitation planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze ambulatory rates in patients after major lower extremity amputation.
• To identify risk factors associated with nonambulation post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 538 patients who underwent below-knee amputation (BKA) or above-knee amputation (AKA).
• Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, and functional status pre-operatively, at 6 months, and at latest follow-up.
• Ambulation defined as independent or assistive device use; nonambulation as wheelchair-dependent or bed-bound.

Main Results:

• Pre-operative ambulatory rates were significantly higher for BKA (83.1%) than AKA (44.9%).
• At 6 months post-amputation, ambulatory rates decreased to 58.0% (BKA) and 25.2% (AKA).
• Older age (>70 years) and female sex were significant predictors of post-operative nonambulation; comorbidities showed no significant correlation.

Conclusions:

• The majority of pre-amputation ambulatory patients maintained their ability post-surgery.
• Failure to ambulate by 6 months post-amputation often indicated persistent nonambulation.
• Age and sex are key factors influencing ambulation outcomes after lower extremity amputation.