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Published on: July 15, 2009
Physical Recovery After Transfemoral Amputation Using the Press-Fit Percutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthesis
Jesse C Christensen1, Jacob Smith2, Benjamin J Darter3
1Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 500 So. Foothill Dr., Salt Lake City, UT, 84148; University of Utah, Department of Orthopaedics, 50 Medical Dr N E15, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132.
Press-fit percutaneous osseointegrated prosthesis (POP) improves gait economy and mobility within 12 months post-implantation. Early gains in gait economy and CHAMP scores suggest faster recovery compared to other physiological measures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
Background:
- Press-fit percutaneous osseointegrated prosthesis (POP) offers an alternative to traditional socket suspension for transfemoral amputees.
- Limited research exists on the physical recovery trajectory following POP implantation.
- Understanding recovery patterns is crucial for patient and clinician expectations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the physical recovery of patients after transfemoral amputation and POP implantation.
- To assess changes in gait economy, gait speed, exertional heart rate, CHAMP scores, and daily step counts over 12 months.
- To establish a baseline for expected recovery outcomes post-POP.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal cohort study conducted at an academic hospital.
- Ten participants with unilateral transfemoral amputation underwent POP surgery.
- Outcome measures included gait economy, gait speed, exertional heart rate, CHAMP, and daily step counts.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in gait economy were observed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-POP (p<0.01).
- CHAMP scores significantly increased at 6 and 12 months (p<0.01), with earlier gains noted.
- Gait speed, exertional heart rate, and daily step counts showed significant improvements at 12 months (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- POP implantation leads to significant physical recovery over 12 months, particularly in gait economy and mobility.
- Gait economy and CHAMP scores demonstrate earlier improvements, guiding expectations for initial recovery phases.
- These findings aid in setting patient expectations and identifying individuals who may need targeted interventions.
