title: Quality of life and functionality after lower limb amputations: comparison between uni- vs. bilateral amputee patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is difficult for the lower limb amputee patients to adapt to their new lifestyles.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the life quality and functionality of patients with bilateral vs. unilateral lower extremity amputations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen bilateral and 15 unilateral lower extremity amputee patients were enrolled. Demographics, cause and level of amputations, frequency and duration of prosthesis use were evaluated. SF-36, Satisfaction with Prosthesis Questionnaire (SAT-PRO), Amputee Body Image Scale. (ABIS), Houghton Scale (HS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and 10-metre walk test (10 MWT) were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physical function, physical and emotional role scores of SF-36 were significantly lower in the bilateral amputee group in comparison with the unilateral group. SAT-PRO and ABIS total scores were similar between the groups. There was a positive correlation between the frequency of prosthetic use and SF-36 subgroups (except pain). The unilateral amputee group had significantly better scores than the bilateral amputee group in terms of HS, 6MWT and 10 MWT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physical capacity of bilateral lower extremity amputee patients is lower than the unilateral amputee patients; satisfaction with prosthesis and body image are not related with the amputation level; and the life quality and satisfaction with prostheses are increased in parallel with the use of the prostheses. Clinical relevance Although differences exist between the groups, in terms of quality of life and functionality, patients can reach an acceptable life standard with good rehabilitation and a suitable prosthesis.
authors: GMMA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. selimakarsu@yahoo.com.tr
authors: Selim
authors: S
authors: Akarsu
authors: Levent
authors: L
authors: Tekin
authors: Ismail
authors: I
authors: Safaz
authors: Ahmet Salim
authors: AS
authors: Göktepe
authors: Kamil
authors: K
authors: Yazicioğlu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000674:Amputees / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*