Quality of Life in Patients With Prosthetic Legs: A Comparison Study

Abstract

In Brief The loss of a limb is a devastating event. Persons with a new amputation face a complex set of tasks to return to an adaptive mobility status. The type and quality of the prosthesis affect the patient’s physical and mental ability of adaptation. Rehabilitation practitioners and researchers need measures that can distinguish among levels of disability, predict prognosis, assist in patient care, and map changes in functional status as the result of interventions. The need for accountability not only comes from insurance sources but also the recipient of the prosthesis as well. The purpose of this research project was to investigate the quality of life in two groups of persons with lower limb amputation after the placement of a prosthesis. It specifically looks at those who receive an early postoperative prosthesis (EPOP) versus those who receive a traditional prosthesis within a defined time frame. The EPOP is a device that can be applied 2 days to 6 weeks postoperatively. The goal is to establish early ambulation with increased functionality. A traditional prosthesis is usually fit from 8 weeks up to 2 years after surgery. Previous research has discussed added benefits of improved wound healing, decreased edema, and earlier rehabilitation. A well validated and reliable instrument, the prosthetic evaluation questionnaire is used to measure several areas; functionality, mobility, psychosocial experience, bodily sensations (pain), satisfaction with their prosthesis, and quality of life. The questionnaire is used in this study to collect data on lower limb amputation patients to help identify quality of life issues in persons with prostheses. The purpose of this research project was to measure the quality of life following the fitting of a prosthesis in two groups of persons with lower limb amputation. The first group consisted of patients who received an EPOP with subsequent placement of a permanent prosthesis. The second consisted of those that receive a temporary and permanent prosthesis from eight weeks up to two years after amputation surgery. The aim was to measure the difference in the quality of life related to physical, psychological, social/role functioning and well-being related to the function of their prosthesis in the two groups.