Outcome analysis in lower limb amputations following trauma

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study is to analyse the quality of life, mobility, prosthesis use, of lower limb amputees following trauma. It also evaluates the effect of rehabilitation in improving the functional well-being of patients with amputations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective and prospective study conducted between 2015 to 2017 and analysis of 47 cases of lower limb amputees were done to evaluate the quality of life using SF-12v2 score, prosthesis use, mobility of 500m, stump length. RESULTS: The mean age of the patient in our study was 44.08 years with range from 13 to 83 years. Stump pain was experienced by 7 out of 47 patients. Phantom pain was experienced by 19 out of 47 patients. 95% of below knee and 72% of above knee amputees had a mobility of more than 500 metres. 85% of below knee and 45.45% of above knee amputees wear prosthesis more than 4 hours per day. Quality of life measured by SF-12 score revealed below knee better than above knee amputees. Only 3 below knee amputees and no above knee patients were employed. None of the amputees in both the groups had ideal stump length. CONCLUSION: From our study, we conclude below knee amputees have better quality of life than above knee amputees. Ideal stump length is not much important in the rehabilitation of an amputee. Patients with pre-prosthetic gait training and early prosthetic fitting had better quality of life and prosthesis fitting