Related Experiment Videos
Mobility after major limb amputation for arterial occlusive disease.
1County Hospital, Hereford, United Kingdom.
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
|August 1, 1987
Summary
This study examined patient mobility after major leg amputation due to arterial occlusive disease. Retaining the knee for amputation surgery significantly improves patient mobility and prosthesis use, even with potential stump healing complications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
Background:
- Arterial occlusive disease frequently necessitates major lower limb amputation.
- Assessing post-amputation mobility is crucial for patient outcomes and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the level of mobility achieved by patients after major leg amputation.
- To investigate the relationship between amputation level and patient mobility.
Main Methods:
- Study included 84 consecutive patients undergoing major leg amputation.
- Mobility was assessed and graded in survivors six months post-amputation.
Main Results:
- Of 69 survivors, 74% achieved some mobility, and 57% walked daily with a prosthesis.
- Below-knee amputations (65% of cases) had a 17% stump healing failure rate.
- Patients with healed unilateral below-knee stumps had a 78% daily prosthesis walking rate, compared to 50% for above-knee.
Conclusions:
- Retaining the knee during amputation surgery is recommended for maximizing patient mobility.
- While some stumps may require revision, preserving the knee joint is paramount for functional recovery.