C-Leg® improves function and quality of life in an adolescent traumatic trans-femoral amputee: a case study.
OBJECTIVE
(1) To demonstrate that a 13-year-old male can be successfully fitted with a C-Leg® microprocessor-controlled knee. (2) To use validated outcome measurement tools to assess change in mobility, physical function, fatigue and quality of life after fitting.


METHODS
A 13-year-old unilateral traumatic trans-femoral amputee was studied pre-C-Leg fitting and 2 weeks and 10 months post C-Leg fitting.


RESULTS
The 6-Minute Walk Test improved by 33% from 360 to 480 m. PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale improved by 32% from 68 to 90, and PedsQL™ Quality of Life Scale improved 14 points, with minimal clinically important difference of 4.36 points.


CONCLUSIONS
In this case, the provision of a microprocessor-controlled knee in the context of a new prosthesis with new socket system produced improvements for the patient in walking speed, fatigue and quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report shows that n = 1 methodology can be used to demonstrate clinical improvement in an adolescent subject when using an intervention (C-Leg) which is not supported in this age group by published evidence.
The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia louise.tofts@health.nsw.gov.au.
Louise J
LJ
Tofts
The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Natasha
N
Hamblin
D000293:Adolescent; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D011788:Quality of Life; D016138:Walking
Adolescent; microprocessor-controlled knee