Lower extremity prostheses outcomes are not known in US veterans population. In this study, 46 veterans aged 18-80 years with lower extremity amputation completed the MOTIVATe questionnaire. Demographics, mobility device characteristics, functional performance, and device satisfaction were compared between Prosthetics and Wheelchair Group. Wheelchair Group, were older veterans with more comorbidity, higher levels of bilateral vascular amputations, and significantly more likely to have an SCI (p=0.005), compared to prostheses group. Both groups reported significant use of wheelchairs, with the Wheelchair Group using a greater number of other mobility devices. Prostheses use with ease and level of activities were negatively correlated, with significant association between use and activities like ‘in and out of car/bus’ (p=0.04) and ‘sports activities’ (p=0.009). A difference in the satisfaction levels between the two groups was not consistent. Determining long-term outcomes is critical to prosthetics rehabilitation, to maximize prostheses use and abandonment prevention.
Lower extremity amputation, prostheses usage and satisfaction
The study is funded by Walter Reed Army Medical Center (Department of
Defense) & Human Engineering Research Laboratories (Sports & Quality of Life Assessment in
Disabled Veterans Grant # 06053001)
Amol M. Karmarkar,
7180 Highland Drive building 4, 2nd floor,
East Wing, 151R-1
Pittsburgh, PA, 15206.
karmarkara@herlpitt.org
(412)-365-4902
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