Dermatologic conditions associated with use of a lower-extremity prosthesis.
OBJECTIVE
To document the frequency of skin problems among lower-limb prosthesis users and to assess for factors associated with skin problems among patients using a prosthesis.


METHODS
Six-year retrospective chart review.


METHODS
An outpatient amputee clinic at a regional, referral rehabilitation hospital in Canada.


METHODS
Seven hundred forty-five subjects with a total of 828 lower-extremity amputations participated. Subjects were included if they had a lower-extremity amputation and used a prosthesis for ambulation or transfers.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
The presence or absence of a skin problem. Descriptive and nonparametric statistics were used to analyze data.


RESULTS
Three hundred thirty-seven residual limbs (40.7%) had at least 1 skin problem. Adjusted odds ratios showed that amputation level, being employed, type of walking aid, and absence of peripheral vascular disease (as a comorbidity) were independently associated with the presence of at least 1 skin problem ( P <.05). CONCLUSIONS; Dermatologic conditions are a frequent complication for the lower-extremity amputee who uses a prosthesis. The results suggest that more active amputees have an increased risk for developing skin problems. Further study in this area is warranted.
Dudek
Nancy L
NL
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada. ndudek@ottawahospital.on.ca
Marks
Meridith B
MB
Marshall
Shawn C
SC
Chardon
Jodi P
JP
D000368:Aged; D000674:Amputees; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*