Skin problems in lower limb amputees: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
Skin problems of the stump in lower limb amputees are relative common in daily rehabilitation practice, possibly impeding prosthetic use. This impediment may have great impact in daily life. Our objective was to review literature systematically concerning incidence and prevalence of skin disorders of the stump in lower limb amputees.


METHODS
A literature search was performed in several medical databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, RECAL) using database specific search strategies. Reference lists in the identified publications were used as threads for retrieving more publications missed in the searches. Only clinical studies and patient surveys were eligible for further assessment.


RESULTS
545 publications were initially found. After selection, 28 publications were assessed for research methodology. Only one publication fulfilled the selection criteria. The prevalence of skin problems in a series of 45 lower leg amputees of 65 years and older was 16%.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence and incidence of skin problems of the stump in lower limb amputees are mainly unknown.
Meulenbelt
Henk E J
HE
Center for Rehabilitation, Northern Center for Health Care Research, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. H.E.J.Meulenbelt@rev.umcg.nl
Dijkstra
Pieter U
PU
Jonkman
Marcel F
MF
Geertzen
Jan H B
JH
D000672:Amputation Stumps; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007866:Leg; D015995:Prevalence; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*