Mobility of persons after traumatic lower limb amputation.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of time span since amputation on mobility of persons experiencing traumatic lower limb amputation. A special questionnaire was sent to such persons and responses were analysed statistically. The subjects comprised 223 persons after traumatic lower limb amputation, residents of Slovenia. We discovered that 186 (74.2%) are using their prosthesis for more than 7 hours per day, 109 (52.2%) are able to walk outdoors without crutches, and 129 (57.8%) climb more than 20 stairs per day. In addition, those who are walking without crutches, walking longer distances, still cycling and driving a care are, on average, 5-10 years younger than the others. However, around one-third of persons who were young at the time of amputation face limitations of mobility later in life. A total of 76 (35.3%) are able to walk only up to 500 m out of doors, 38 (18.2%) can walk only with a pair of crutches, 62 (29.7%) need a cane or one crutch, and 37 (16.6%) cannot climb stairs. We conclude that successful fitting and usage of a prosthesis by persons after lower limb amputation promotes independent walking and mobility in everyday life. The level of independence achieved is related to time span since amputation.