Function after through-knee compared with below-knee and above-knee amputation.
Fifty-nine amputees, 24 below-knee (BK), 17 through-knee (TK) and 18 above-knee (AK) who had prosthetic replacements, were evaluated using a questionnaire which provided a quantitative and qualitative assessment scale for the prosthetic function. The ability to apply or don the prosthesis was noted in 100% of the BK, 70% of the TK and 56% of the AK amputations (p < 0.001). Daily use of the prosthesis was recorded in 96% of the BK, 76% of the TK and 50% of the AK amputations (p < 0.001). A higher level of amputation resulted in a significantly lower degree of rehabilitation (p < 0.05). The qualitative evaluation shows that the higher the level of amputation, the lower the usefulness of the prosthesis. Four percent of the BK, 12% of the TK and 39% of the AK amputees had no use whatsoever of their prosthesis (p < 0.01). From a functional standpoint, TK amputation should always be considered as the primary alternative to AK amputation when a BK amputation is not feasible.
Hagberg
E
E
Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgren Hospital, University of Göthenburg, Sweden.
Berlin
O K
OK
Renström
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000601:surgery*; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period