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Articular cartilage atrophy in lower limb amputees
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Above-knee amputees frequently experience hip abnormalities. Osteoporosis affects all amputees, and reduced cartilage thickness is common, particularly with shorter residual limbs.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Above-knee amputation can lead to secondary musculoskeletal complications.
- Hip joint health in amputees is often overlooked.
- Understanding long-term effects is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hip joint condition in patients with above-knee amputation.
- To identify the prevalence of hip abnormalities and related factors.
- To investigate the relationship between residual limb length and hip joint changes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 53 above-knee amputee cases.
- Radiologic assessment of hip joints.
- Correlation analysis between stump length and cartilage thickness.
Main Results:
- No normal hip joints were observed in the study cohort.
- All subjects exhibited osteoporosis.
- Reduced cartilage thickness was found in 27 cases, inversely correlated with stump length.
- Upper-third amputees were more likely to have reduced cartilage thickness.
Conclusions:
- Above-knee amputation is associated with significant hip joint pathology.
- Osteoporosis is a universal finding in this population.
- Residual limb length is a critical factor influencing hip cartilage health.