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Thigh muscle atrophy in below-knee amputees
Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. Supplement
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Below-knee amputees experience significant muscle atrophy, primarily due to reduced muscle fiber size rather than fiber number. This impacts thigh and quadriceps muscle volume.
Area of Science:
- Muscle physiology
- Amputee rehabilitation
- Histopathology
Background:
- Muscle atrophy is a common consequence of limb amputation.
- Understanding the specific changes in muscle fiber types and size is crucial for rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of below-knee amputation on muscle fiber characteristics and volume in the thigh.
- To determine whether atrophy is caused by a reduction in fiber number or fiber size.
Main Methods:
- Muscle biopsies were analyzed for fiber type distribution and size.
- Computed tomography (CT) was used to assess cross-sectional areas of thigh muscles.
- Measurements included muscle fiber area, thigh circumference, and muscle group cross-sections.
Main Results:
- Amputated leg showed significant reductions in type IIA, IIB, and IIC muscle fibers compared to the non-amputated leg.
- Mean muscle fiber area (vastus lateralis) was 74% of the non-amputated leg.
- Cross-sectional areas of the whole thigh, quadriceps, and hamstring muscles were significantly reduced in the amputated leg.
Conclusions:
- Muscle atrophy in below-knee amputees is mainly due to a decrease in muscle fiber size, not a reduction in fiber number.
- Significant muscle volume loss occurs in the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups.
- Histological analysis reveals alterations in muscle fiber type composition post-amputation.