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Osteopenia in patients with above knee amputation
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Men with above-knee amputations (AKA) using prosthetics for years show normal bone density in their spine and intact femur. However, the bone density in the femoral neck on the amputated side is significantly lower.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Bone Metabolism
- Prosthetics
Background:
- Unilateral above-knee amputation (AKA) affects bone health.
- Long-term prosthetic use influences bone density.
- Osteopenia risk in amputees requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess bone density in male AKA patients using prosthetics.
- To compare bone density between amputated and intact limbs.
- To explore correlations between amputation age and bone density.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) used.
- 16 male patients with unilateral AKA, full-time prosthetic users (>5 years).
- Comparison with non-amputation controls.
Main Results:
- Normal bone density in spines and normal femurs.
- Significant decrease in femoral neck bone density on the amputated side (28% lower).
- Negative correlation between age at amputation and osteopenia severity.
Conclusions:
- Above-knee amputation leads to localized osteopenia in the femoral neck.
- Age at amputation impacts the severity of bone density loss.
- Further research on bone preservation strategies is warranted.