Issues of importance reported by persons with lower limb amputations and prostheses

• Published in: Journal of rehabilitation research and development Vol. 36; no. 3; pp. 155 - 163
• Main Authors: LEGRO, M. W, REIBER, G, DEL AGUILA, M, AJAX, M. J, BOONE, D. A, LARSEN, J. A, SMITH, D. G, SANGEORZAN, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Baltimore, MD Rehabilitation Research and Development Service 01.07.1999
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amputation - adverse effects; Amputation - psychology; Amputation - rehabilitation; Artificial Limbs - adverse effects; Artificial Limbs - psychology; Attitude to Health; Biological and medical sciences; Biomechanical Phenomena; Cost of Illness; Diseases of the osteoarticular system. Orthopedic treatment; Female; Health Status; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Needs Assessment; Patient Education as Topic; Prosthesis Fitting; Quality of Life; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Social Support; Surveys and Questionnaires; Human; Evaluation; Questionnaire; Removable prosthesis; Orthopedic treatment; Lower limb; Quality of life; Treatment; Surgical amputation; Surgery; Coping; Rehabilitation; Technique
• ISSN: 0748-7711; 1938-1352

The purpose of this paper is to report prosthesis-related issues of importance that were identified by a diverse group of persons living with lower limb amputations (LLA) and prostheses. These perceptions and themes validate some old assumptions and challenge others, report both common and unusual experiences, and indirectly identify the information level of our respondents concerning prostheses. Persons with LLA were identified from computerized rosters at a level one regional trauma center and at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System-Seattle, Division. Inclusion criteria specified that respondents were to: 1) be one or more years post-unilateral amputation at the Syme's level (ankle disarticulation) or higher, 2) use their prosthesis at least 5 days a week, 3) read English, and 4) be able to provide informed consent. Respondents completed the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire-field version (PEQ) and the standard form (SF)-36, a health status measure. Of 114 persons who agreed to participate, 92 (85% male, mean age 55 years) responded to the questionnaire and graded the personal importance of various characteristics and qualities of their prosthesis. The number of years since their last amputation ranged from 1 to 53 years. Four Themes of Interest were identified from responses to open-ended questions about living with a prosthesis. These themes included the fit of the socket with the residual limb, aspects of the mechanical functioning of the prosthesis, other nonmechanical qualities, and advice about adaptation to life with a prosthesis with support from others. Future research is recommended to adjust aspects of the fit of the prosthesis with the residual limb. Implementing periodic check-up visits could uncover problems and eliminate unnecessary suffering.