Muscle strength and bone mineral density in mine victims with transtibial amputation.
The aims of this study were to: (i) Determine if there were significant bone mineral density and muscle strength differences between intact and amputated limbs, and (ii) investigate the possible relationship between local bone loss and muscle strength in transtibial amputees. Fifteen male veterans with traumatic unilateral transtibial amputations who ranged in age from 18-45 years were included in this prospective study. Lower limb muscle strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine bone mineral density of the femur and tibia. The bone mineral density values of the femur and tibia were found significantly decreased on the amputated side. Significant decreases (p < 0.001) in strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings were observed in the amputated limb. There was a weak correlation between quadriceps strength and total femur bone mineral density (p = 0.048, r = 0.518) on the amputated limb. Transtibial amputees are prone to bone mineral loss and muscle strength decrease on the amputated side. Our results also indicate that muscle strength itself might not be of decisive importance for bone mass in transtibial amputees.
Tugcu
Ilknur
I
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation Centre, Ankara, Turkey. ilknurtugcu@yahoo.com
Safaz
Ismail
I
Yilmaz
Bilge
B
Göktepe
Ahmet Salim
AS
Taskaynatan
Mehmet Ali
MA
Yazicioglu
Kamil
K
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005107:Explosions; D005269:Femur / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013977:Tibia / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult