[Outcome of early fitting by silicone liner with lock system for dysvascular below-knee amputation: assessment of walking abilities by a specific questionnaire].
OBJECTIVE
To assess by a specific questionnaire the functional outcome of patients with below-the-knee amputation after early prosthetic fitting by the ICEROSS silicone liner, which had demonstrated improvement of stump healing and length of hospital stay.


METHODS
In this retrospective study, walking ability was assessed by a specific score resulting from answers on a questionnaire. The outcome variables were walking inside and outside, transfer from sitting, climbing stairs, and use of walking aids. Following amputation, the ICEROSS system was used for compression therapy, then for temporary prosthesis. The questionnaire was administered at the fitting stabilized state.


RESULTS
Twenty-nine of 51 patients who underwent trans-tibial amputation were included: 5 women (mean age 72.8+/-4.1 years) and 24 men (mean age: 69+/-7.4 years). The mean total score was 14.5/20 (good functional outcome) for the 22 unilateral amputees and 7.2/20 (intermediate result) for the seven bilateral amputees. Previous studies concerning functional outcome with other contact casts (without a silicon liner with a bolt) had shown similar results.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite its beneficial initial effect, early fitting by the ICEROSS system did not improve walking ability at the steady functional state, which is more linked to advanced age and comorbidities.
Cazabon
L
L
Inserm ERITm 0207, pôle de rééducation-réadaptation, CHU de Dijon, 23, rue Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France.
Casillas
J M
JM
Ader
P
P
Grumler
B
B
Lothe
M
M
Dulieu
V
V
D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012828:Silicones; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
D012828:Silicones