Long-term functional and clinical outcome of combined targeted muscle reinnervation and osseointegration for functional bionic reconstruction in transhumeral amputees: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the combination of osseointegration and nerve transfers in 3 transhumeral amputees. DESIGN: Case series. PATIENTS: Three male patients with a unilateral traumatic transhumeral amputation. METHODS: Patients received a combination of osseointegration and targeted muscle reinnervation surgery. Rehabilitation included graded weight training, range of motion exercises, biofeedback, table-top prosthesis training, and controlling the actual device. The impairment in daily life, health-related quality of life, and pain before and after the intervention was evaluated in these patients. Their shoulder range of motion, prosthesis embodiment, and function were documented at a 2- to 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: All 3 patients attended rehabilitation and used their myoelectric prosthesis on a daily basis. Two patients had full shoulder range of motion with the prosthesis, while the other patient had 55° of abduction and 45° of anteversion. They became more independent in their daily life activities after the intervention and incorporated their prosthesis into their body scheme to a high extent. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that patients can benefit from the combined procedure. However, the patients' perspective, risks of the surgical procedures, and the relatively long rehabilitation procedure need to be incorporated in the decision-making.

Transtibial osseointegration following unilateral traumatic amputation: An observational study of patients with at least two years follow-up.

IMPORTANCE: Most patients use a traditional socket prosthesis (TSP) to ambulate independently following transtibial amputation. However, these patients generally require prosthesis repairs more than twice annually and an entirely new prosthesis every two years. Furthermore, transtibial amputation patients have four times the skin ulceration rate of transfemoral patients, prompting more frequent prosthesis refitting and diminished use. Trans-Tibial osseointegration (TTOI) is a promising technique to address the limitations of TSP, but remains understudied with only four cohorts totaling 41 total procedures reported previously. Continued concerns regarding the risk of infection and questions as to functional capacity postoperatively have slowed adoption of TTOI worldwide. OBJECTIVE: This study reports the changes in mobility, quality of life (QOL), and the safety profile of the largest described cohort of patients with unilateral TTOI following traumatic amputation. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. The cohort consisted of patients with data outcomes collected before and after osseointegration intervention. SETTING: A large, tertiary referral, major metropolitan center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one skeletally mature adults who had failed socket prosthesis rehabilitation, with at least two years of post-osseointegration follow-up. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Mobility was evaluated by K-level, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT). QOL was assessed by survey: daily prosthesis wear hours, prosthesis problem experience, general contentment with prosthesis, and Short Form 36 (SF36). Adverse events included any relevant unplanned surgery such as for infection, fracture, implant loosening, or implant failure. RESULTS: All patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement post osseointegration surgery with respect to K-level, TUG, 6MWT, prosthesis wear hours, prosthesis problem experience, general prosthesis contentment score, and SF36 Physical Component Score (p < 0.01 for all). Three patients had four unplanned surgeries: two soft tissue refashionings, and one soft tissue debridement followed eventually by implant removal. No deaths, postoperative systemic complications, more proximal amputations, or periprosthetic fractures occurred. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: TTOI is likely to confer mobility and QOL improvements to patients dissatisfied with TSP rehabilitation following unilateral traumatic transtibial amputation. Adverse events are relatively infrequent and not further disabling. Judicious use of TTOI seems reasonable for properly selected patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 (Therapeutic investigation, Observational study with dramatic effect).

Functional outcomes and associated factors of individuals with unilateral traumatic lower limb amputation in Sri Lanka: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation is important after an amputation surgery. This study was conducted to find the level of functional outcomes of individuals with unilateral traumatic lower limb amputation and the impact of sociodemographic, amputation, and rehabilitation characteristics on functional outcomes. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 48 participants (aged 20-60 years) who visited the Center for Handicapped from across the country. Functional outcomes were measured using the Locomotor Capabilities Index, Amputee Mobility Predictor with Prosthesis, 6-minute walk distance, and spirometry test and sociodemographic, amputation, and rehabilitation characteristics using a self-constructed questionnaire. RESULTS: Amputee Mobility Predictor with Prosthesis K levels showed 65% had the ability to ambulate in the community and could master environmental barriers. Locomotor Capabilities Index scores showed 96% could independently perform basic daily activities with or without using assistive devices and 83% could perform advanced daily activities. None of the individuals had achieved their predicted 6-minute walk distance, but 52% had "good and above" level of maximum oxygen consumption; restrictive respiratory pattern was indicated among 31%. Amputee Mobility Predictor with Prosthesis and Locomotor Capabilities Index scores were significantly ( p < 0.005) affected by mobility hours/day, amputation level, prosthesis usage, and satisfaction. Six-minute walk distance was significantly ( p < 0.005) related to income, time since amputation, duration of rehabilitation, mobility hours/day, sex, job engagement, previous job, amputation level, K levels, and satisfaction with prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka mainly focuses on basic walking training, not on long-term survival, distance walking, and cardiorespiratory endurance, which can lead to future comorbidities. Raising awareness in the society about rehabilitation services and more effective rehabilitation programs are recommended.

A case report: Transhumeral amputee treatment with osseointegrated prosthesis and rehabilitation.

People with proximal transhumeral amputation usually choose prosthesis as an alternative to improve occupational performance, but frequently presenting difficulties in the distal control, poor elevation to reach some object, and tolerance to use in ADL and day time, added to frustration and high perception of disability. This report described the results in the first experience with one patient who suffered a work accident in Chile in a long-term following up 7 years after discharge, who take the choice for osteointegrated prosthesis training for amputation at the proximal transhumeral level and hybrid system (electrical elbow and body-power hook), the patient has previous experience with conventional body-power prosthesis and caps. For this, a standard rehabilitation protocol was applied, modifying it in relation to the Chilean experience in classical prosthetic training. The evaluation methodology consisted of daily time measurement, functional test of 400 points (adapted), range of motion, VAS, and DASH. The patient underwent these tests with conventional mechanical support prostheses with a common cap before the osseointegration surgery and then at the end of the protocol with the new osseointegrated prostheses. The results showed an increase of 39% in the overall functionality in ADL according to the 400 pts test, according to the DASH test a decrease in perception in disability related to Work of 32 pts and increased tolerance to daily prosthetic use from 3 to 12 hrs and the function of upper extremity reach, greater support and tolerance to use, together with a better control of the prosthesis is highlighted.

Functional outcome using early controlled active motion in rehabilitation of a replanted hand: A case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. INTRODUCTION: This case report details the postsurgical rehabilitation and outcome of a young maintenance man who sustained a complete amputation of his dominant upper limb at the level of the distal forearm. The patient underwent replantation surgery with 2-centimeter bone shortening, followed by early controlled active motion commencing on day 6. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To illustrate the use of early motion after replantation. RESULTS: The patient achieved almost full active range of motion of the digits, intrinsic function, 30 seconds on Nine-Hole Peg Test and early return to work without any additional reconstructive procedures. DISCUSSION: Several fairly recently published protocols advocate initiating active range of motion at only 3 or 4 weeks after upper limb replantation. The following therapeutic interventions were considered important contributors to our favorable functional outcome; early controlled active motion, occupation-based therapy in combination with therapeutic exercises and many custom molded orthoses. CONCLUSION: Future research is required to determine if bone shortening, which is an integral part of replantation surgery, reduces tendon repair tension, allowing for early active motion and thereby contributing to a favorable outcome.

Outcomes, Challenges, and Pitfalls after Targeted Muscle Reinnervation in High-Level Amputees: Is It Worth the Effort?

BACKGROUND: Although the distal targets have been lost in proximal upper limb amputees, the neural signals for intuitive hand and arm function are still available and thus can be incorporated into more useful prosthetic function using targeted muscle reinnervation technique. In this article, the authors present their outcomes and range of indications in addition to experiences and pitfalls after 30 targeted muscle reinnervation cases at above-elbow and shoulder disarticulation level of amputation. METHODS: Thirty patients with above-elbow or shoulder disarticulation amputations were enrolled between 2012 and 2017. Indications for targeted muscle reinnervation surgery differed between improvement of prosthetic function (n = 19) and/or pain (n = 11). Functional outcome was evaluated with the Action Research Arm Test, the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure, and the Clothespin-Relocation Test. Functional evaluation was performed at least at 6 months after final prosthetic fitting. RESULTS: All nerve transfers were successful and provided independent myoelectric signals. The 10 patients available for final functional evaluation showed Action Research Arm Test scores of 20.4 ± 1.9 and Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure scores of 40.5 ± 8.1. The Clothespin-Relocation Test showed a mean time of 34.3 ± 14.4 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted muscle reinnervation has improved prosthetic control and revolutionized neuroma treatment in upper limb amputees. Still, the rate of abandonment even after targeted muscle reinnervation surgery has been shown high, and several advances within the biotechnological interface will be needed to improve prosthetic function and acceptance in these patients. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Patient-Reported and Functional Outcomes After Revision Amputation and Replantation of Digit Amputations: The FRANCHISE Multicenter International Retrospective Cohort Study.

Importance: Optimal treatment for traumatic digit amputation is unknown. Objective: To compare long-term patient-reported and functional outcomes between patients treated with revision amputation or replantation for digit amputations. Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective cohort study at 19 centers in the United States and Asia. Participants were 338 individuals 18 years or older with traumatic digit amputations with at least 1 year of follow-up after treatment. Participants were enrolled from August 1, 2016, to April 12, 2018. Exposures: Revision amputation or replantation of traumatic digit amputations. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) score. Secondary outcomes were the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper-extremity module scores and functional outcomes. Results: Among 338 patients who met all inclusion criteria, the mean (SD) age was 48.3 (16.4) years, and 85.0% were male. Adjusted aggregate comparison of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between patients with revision amputation and replantation revealed significantly better outcomes in the replantation cohort measured by the MHQ (5.93; 95% CI, 1.03-10.82; P = .02), DASH (-4.29; 95% CI, -8.45 to -0.12; P = .04), and PROMIS (3.44; 95% CI, 0.60 to 6.28; P = .02) scores. In subgroup analyses, DASH scores were significantly lower (6 vs 9, P = .05), indicating less disability and pain, and PROMIS scores higher (78 vs 75, P = .04) after replantation. Patients with 3 or more digits amputated (including thumb) had significantly better PROs after replantation than those managed with revision amputation (22 vs 42, P = .03 for DASH and 61 vs 36, P = .01 for PROMIS). Patients who underwent replantation after 3 or more digits amputated (excluding thumb) had higher MHQ scores, which did not reach statistical significance (69 vs 65, P = .06). Revision amputation in the subgroup with single-finger amputation distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint resulted in better 2-point discrimination (6 vs 8 mm, P = .05). Compared with revision amputation, replantation resulted in better 9-hole peg test times in the subgroup with 3 or more digits amputated (including thumb) (46 vs 81 seconds, P = .001), better Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test in the subgroup with 3 or more digits amputated (excluding thumb) (3 vs 21 g, P = .008), and better 3-point pinch test in the subgroup with 2 digits amputated (excluding thumb) (6.7 vs 5.6 kg, P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance: When technically feasible, replantation is recommended in 3 or more digits amputated and in single-finger amputation (excluding thumb) distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint because it achieved better PROs, with long-term functional benefit. Thumb replantation is still recommended for its integral role in opposition.

The Impact of Cigarette Smoking on the Formation of Heterotopic Ossification Among Service Members With a Traumatic Amputation.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO), the abnormal formation of lamellar bone in soft nonosseous tissue, has been identified as a potential complication following a traumatic amputation or traumatic brain injury (TBI). HO occurs at a dramatically higher rate among military casualties than among civilian casualties. Most investigators agree that in order for HO to form three conditions must be present: (1) osteogenic precursor cells, (2) an inducing agent or event, and 3) an environment conducive to ostoegenesis. Therefore impacting on any of these three conditions should impact on the formation of HO. Anecdotal clinical reports seem to show a decreased incidence of HO among cigarette smokers. The negative effect of smoking on bone growth as well as poor healing overall is well established in the literature. It makes intuitive sense that tobacco smoking would negatively impact on an environment conducive for HO. A review of the literature found no published work that evaluated a possible link between HO and tobacco use. This study sought to determine if a relationship exists between tobacco use and the formation of HO. METHODS: A retrospective data review was conducted of military medical records for service members (SMs) who have experienced a traumatic amputation. Cases were matched to controls on the basis of factors known to be associated with the development of HO including age, gender, comorbid TBI, and deployment status. Bivariate logistic regression models were used to test for associations between age, gender, TBI, and deployment status with tobacco use. RESULTS: A total of 3,132 records of SMs with an amputation were included for analysis with 18% overall developing HO. Those that developed HO were more likely to be younger, have sustained a TBI and to use tobacco compared to those that did not develop HO. An odds ratio analysis found that SMs who experienced a deployment-related traumatic amputation were 7.34 times more likely, SMs with a TBI were 6.45 times more likely, and smokers were 1.27 times more likely to develop HO when compared to nondeployment-related amputations. Older age and female gender were found to be protective against developing HO. In the final model after matching on potential confounders, tobacco use was not related to HO among this sample. DISCUSSION: The incidence of HO among SMs with a traumatic amputation or TBI was similar to that found in other research. Also found in this study and supported in the literature is age as a confounder for HO and the prevalence of tobacco use among SMs who have deployed. However, female gender as protective against the development of HO was an unexpected finding mainly because there are so few studies of SMs with traumatic amputations including women in the analysis. In the final analysis, given all the literature on the negative impact of smoking on bone healing, it seems counterintuitive that HO formation is unrelated to smoking status. The methodology used in this study has inherent limitations and a prospective study should be conducted to validate results.

Epidemiologic data of trauma-related lower limb amputees: A single center 10-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is three fold: 1) to introduce epidemiologic data of patients with trauma-related amputations as a 10-year experience of a rehabitation center; 2) to determine comorbidities and secondary conditions of lower limb loss; 3) to determine the rehospitalization reasons for lower limb amputee patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary rehabilitation center in Turkey. Clinical and demographic data of amputees including sex, age, employment status, time since amputation, time after amputation to first hospitalization, length of hospitalization, how many times the patient was hospitalized, reason for hospitalization, stump complications, comorbid conditions, amputation level and K classifacation were documented. RESULTS: Three hundred ninetynine patients with a mean age of 23,48±6,04 (4-74) years were included in this study. Mean duration after amputation was 119,71±68,86months. Patients were 3,43±2,53 times hospitalized. Landmine explosion was the most common etiology of amputation with 370 patients (92.7%). Below knee amputation was the most common amputation level with 230 (50,77%) amputations. 399 patients were hospitalized 1369 times and the most common hospitalization reason were stump complications (356 times, 26,00%). Spur formation (202 times) was the most common stump complications. Pyscologic disorders were the most common comorbidity with 68 patient (37,56%). CONCLUSION: Patients with traumatic limb amputations are likely to experience several complications and comorbidities. Prevention of secondary conditions affecting those living with the loss of a limb is an important part of amputee rehabilitation and may prevent rehospitalization.

[Bilateral hand salvage of subtotal left hand amputation and complex right wrist destruction]. / Extremitätenerhalt bei subtotaler Handamputation links und komplexer Handgelenkzerstörung rechts.

Complex injuries of the hand and wrist lead to severe loss of function. Complex trauma of the upper extremities may lead to severe disabilities and therefore meticulous reconstruction is of utmost importance to enable good functional outcome and to assure an adequate quality of life. We demonstrate the case of a patient who suffered from complex bilateral injuries at the wrist level including a subtotal amputation of the left hand and third degree open wrist destruction on the contralateral side. Due to the immediate bilateral operation including the unilateral use of an osteocutaneous free fibula flap, both hands could be salvaged in this case. Severe hand and wrist injuries also require intensive postoperative treatment including intensive physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pain therapy and psychological support to achieve a good functional result.

An exploration of the experiences of wound healing in military traumatic amputees and its impact on their rehabilitation.

The aim of this study was to establish the effect that wounds had on the rehabilitation of traumatic amputees from the military patients' perspective. In particular it established which aspects of wound healing had the greatest impact in relation to living with a wound and the effect that military cohesion had on their recovery. The study was undertaken within the interpretivistic paradigm and followed an ethnographic design using semi-structured interviews. It contributes to the theoretical understanding of rehabilitation of the combat injured as no other study has been undertaken in this area in the UK. It captured the responses of this unique group as they reach the end of their journey through rehabilitation and detailed their reflections on the challenges they had faced and overcome. Analysis revealed that complications including infection, pain, foreign bodies and further surgery prevented the wounds from healing. The participants found this frustrating and they further highlighted time as an important factor in their journey. The military environment formed a culture in which patients learned from, and were supported by, each other. This was compared to a community of practice. In conclusion suggestions were made for practice, policy and education and further research in this area.

Providing a sense of touch to prosthetic hands.

Each year, approximately 185,000 Americans suffer the devastating loss of a limb. The effects of upper limb amputations are profound because a person's hands are tools for everyday functioning, expressive communication, and other uniquely human attributes. Despite the advancements in prosthetic technology, current upper limb prostheses are still limited in terms of complex motor control and sensory feedback. Sensory feedback is critical to restoring full functionality to amputated patients because it would relieve the cognitive burden of relying solely on visual input to monitor motor commands and provide tremendous psychological benefits. This article reviews the latest innovations in sensory feedback and argues in favor of peripheral nerve interfaces. First, the authors examine the structure of the peripheral nerve and its importance in the development of a sensory interface. Second, the authors discuss advancements in targeted muscle reinnervation and direct neural stimulation by means of intraneural electrodes. The authors then explore the future of prosthetic sensory feedback using innovative technologies for neural signaling, specifically, the sensory regenerative peripheral nerve interface and optogenetics. These breakthroughs pave the way for the development of a prosthetic limb with the ability to feel.

Pediatric limb differences and amputations.

Congenital limb differences are uncommon birth defects that may go undetected even with prenatal screening ultrasound scans and often go undetected until birth. For children with congenital limb differences, a diagnostic evaluation should be done to rule out syndromes involving other organ systems or known associations. The most common etiology of acquired amputation is trauma. Postamputation complications include pain and terminal bony overgrowth. A multidisciplinary approach to management with the child and family can lead to a successful, functional, and fulfilling life.

Prevalencia de inserción laboral en la adultez de pacientes amputados antes de los 18 años de edad y factores clínico-demográficos asociados: Instituto Teletón Santiago 2012-2013 / Job integration prevalence in adulthood of patients amputated before 18 years of age and associated clinical-demographic factors: Santiago Teletón Institute, 2012-2013

Introducción: el integro laboral es una meta primordial en la rehabilitación; en pacientes amputados fluctúa entre 43 y 89 por ciento. Existen factores descritos que se asocian a empleabilidad como género, edad a la que fueron amputados, nivel educacional, uso de prótesis, dolor, nivel de amputación y número de extremidades comprometidas. No se han encontrados estudios en pacientes amputados en edad pediátrica ni con amputaciones congénitas. Objetivo: determinar la magnitud de inserción laboral de los pacientes con deficiencias congénitas o amputaciones adquiridas antes de los 18 años, que en el año 2013 tengan entre 25 y 65 años, y analizarla según factores demográficos y clínicos. Método: estudio descriptivo que analizó las variables mencionadas mediante una encuesta telefónica diseñada y validada con este objetivo. La población estudiada correspondió a pacientes con amputaciones de Teletón Santiago, actualmente entre 25-65 años de edad, que residieran en la Región Metropolitana durante su período de rehabilitación. Se excluyó a pacientes con amputaciones parciales de mano o pie, y con compromiso cognitivo. Resultados: se incluyeron 61 pacientes. Todos habían trabajado en algún momento de su vida, y un 86,9 por ciento lo hacía al momento de la encuesta. El 67,3 por ciento tuvo acceso a educación superior. El 81,1 por ciento tenía empleo a tiempo completo. Un 22,6 por ciento deseaba realizar alguna modificación al trabajo actual. Sólo se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre edad y el tipo de empleo. Conclusión: la mayoría de los entrevistados tenían empleo y un alto nivel educacional. Estos pacientes se beneficiarían de estrategias sociales de apoyo a nivel nacional.

Background: job reintegration is a major goal in rehabilitation. In amputees it varies from 43-89 percent. Factors related to employment rate are gender, age at the time of amputation, education, prosthetic use, pain, level of amputation and number of limbs compromised. No specific pediatric studies where found. Objective: to measure employment in patients between 25 and 65 years old with limb deficiencies or amputation before the age of 18 years, and describe it according to clinical and demographic factors. Methods: the following descriptive study measured clinical factors, employment status and characteristics of pediatric amputees thought a phone-survey designed and validated for this purpose. Patients were amputees from Teletón Santiago, living in the metropolitan zone during rehabilitation, aged between 25-65 years. Those with partial hand or foot amputations or with cognitive impairment where excluded. Results: sixty-one patients where included. All of them had worked, and 86.9 percent had a job at the time of the survey. 67 percent had access to higher education. Of them, 81.1 percent had a full time job. Only 22.6 percent wanted job adjustments. Differences were only found between age and employment type. Conclusion: the majority of the amputees interviewed were successfully employed and had a high educational level. These patients may benefit from national support strategies.

Development and reliability testing of the Comprehensive High-Level Activity Mobility Predictor (CHAMP) in male servicemembers with traumatic lower-limb loss.

The opportunity for wounded servicemembers (SMs) to return to high-level activity and return to duty has improved with advances in surgery, rehabilitation, and prosthetic technology. As a result, there is now a need for a high-level mobility outcome measure to assess progress toward high-level mobility during and after rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to develop and determine the reliability of a new outcome measure called the Comprehensive High-Level Activity Mobility Predictor (CHAMP). The CHAMP consists of the Single Limb Stance, Edgren Side Step Test, T-Test, and Illinois Agility Test. CHAMP reliability was determined for SMs with lower-limb loss (LLL) (interrater: n = 118; test-retest: n = 111) and without LLL ( n = 97). A linear system was developed to combine the CHAMP items and produce a composite score that ranges from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating better performance. Interrater and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient values for the CHAMP were 1.0 and 0.97, respectively. A CHAMP score equal to or greater than 33 points is within the range for SMs without LLL. The CHAMP was found to be a safe and reliable measure of high-level mobility in SMs with traumatic LLL.

Productos de apoyo para paciente con amputación transmetacarpiana / Support products for patient with transmetacarpal amputation

Propósito: Analizar propiedades funcionales y antropométricas de los PA, criterios de selección de diseño, procesos de confección y materiales de fabricación, para analizar las ventajas y/o desventajas que proporcionan y el impacto de esto sobre la CV, ya que los PA disponibles en el mercado no siempre se adaptan a requerimientos del individuo. Se demostrará a través de la presentación de un caso clínico con amputación transmetacarpiana izquierda, de 60 años sufrida el 24/11/2012. Metodología y Materiales: Mediciones antropométricas elementos termoplásticos y de descarte. Resultados: A partir del análisis de propiedades y características de los PA se podría establecer la forma en la cual éstos inciden en la CV de las personas en cuanto a confort, seguridad e independencia funcional, y a partir de ello conocer el grado de satisfacción del usuario respecto a su participación ocupacional en las AVD. Conclusiones: Respecto al desarrollo de PA, se están abriendo nuevas posibilidades para la mejora de la CV de la población en general. Si bien el avance tecnológico está orientado a potenciar la autonomía de los usuarios mediante nuevas y variadas estrategias se ha ido intensificando en campos como la rehabilitación y la antropometría, es necesario en más de una ocasión incorporar acciones que permitan al paciente mejorar su economía, funcionalidad, durabilidad y adecuación estética.

Purpose: Analyze SP functional and anthropometric properties, design selection criteria, preparation processes and manufacturing materials, to analyze the advantages and/or disadvantages that they have and their impact on the LQ, since the SP available in the market do not always adapt to the individual’s requirements. It will be demonstrated through the presentation of a clinical case with left transmetacarpal amputation, 60 years old, suffered on 11/24/2012. Methodology and Materials: anthropometric measures, thermoplastic and disposable items. Results: From the analysis of properties and characteristics of the SP it could be established the way in which they affect people’s LQ in terms of comfort, safety and functional independence, and considering this we can determine the degree of the user’s satisfaction regarding occupational participation in DLA. Conclusions: Regarding the SP development, new possibilities are appearing for the improvement of general population LQ. Even though the technological advance oriented to highlight the user’s autonomy through new and various strategies has been intensifying in some other fields like rehabilitation and anthropometry, it is necessary in more than one occasion to incorporate actions that allow the patient to enhance his functionality with economy criteria, functionality, durability and aesthetics as quality standards in design and construction.

Home-based treadmill training to improve gait performance in persons with a chronic transfemoral amputation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a home-based multiple-speed treadmill training program to improve gait performance in persons with a transfemoral amputation (TFA). DESIGN: Repeated measures. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with a TFA (N=8) who had undergone a unilateral amputation at least 3 years prior as a result of limb trauma or cancer. INTERVENTION: Home-based treadmill walking for a total of 30 minutes a day, 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Each 30-minute training session involved 5 cycles of walking for 2 minutes at 3 speeds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were tested pretraining and after 4 and 8 weeks of training. The primary measures were temporal-spatial gait performance (symmetry ratios for stance phase duration and step length), physiological gait performance (energy expenditure and energy cost), and functional gait performance (self-selected walking speed [SSWS], maximum walking speed [MWS], and 2-minute walk test [2MWT]). RESULTS: Eight weeks of home-based training improved temporal-spatial gait symmetry at SSWS but not at MWS. A relative interlimb increase in stance duration for the prosthetic limb and proportionally greater increases in step length for the limb taking shorter steps produced the improved symmetry. The training effect was significant for the step length symmetry ratio within the first 4 weeks of the program. Energy expenditure decreased progressively during the training with nearly 10% improvement observed across the range of walking speeds. SSWS, MWS, and 2MWT all increased by 16% to 20%. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based treadmill walking is an effective method to improve gait performance in persons with TFA. The results support the application of training interventions beyond the initial rehabilitation phase, even in individuals considered highly functional.

Return-to-duty rates among US military combat-related amputees in the global war on terror: job description matters.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify the differences seen between military occupation services (MOS) in terms of amputation patterns, subsequent disabling conditions, and their ability to return to duty. METHODS: A retrospective study of major extremity amputations sustained by US service members between October 1, 2001, and July 30, 2011, was performed. Data obtained from the amputation database, Joint Trauma Theater Database, and the Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Office included demographics, amputation location(s), Injury Severity Scores (ISSs), disabling conditions, disability ratings, and disposition status. RESULTS: There were 1,221 major extremity amputees identified during the specified time frame, of which 899 had data regarding disabling conditions, ratings, and disposition. All service branches were represented. Personnel from the US Army (USA) Infantry were significantly (p < 0.0001) more likely to sustain an amputation than other MOS. The USA Infantry, the US Marine Corps Infantry and the USA Armor represented the top three specialties and accounted for more than 57% of all amputees. Approximately 89% of all service members did not return to duty, and the mean combined for all amputees was 76. USA Special Forces (USA SF) operators were significantly more likely to return to duty (p = 0.0022) and be found fit for duty (p = 0.0015) than all other MOS despite having a mean ISS (20) that was no different from those of other service members. No USA SF personnel were found to have posttraumatic stress disorder as a disabling condition. CONCLUSION: All amputees, regardless of MOS, are not likely to return to active duty and especially unlikely to be found fit for duty, except for members of the USA SF. The reason(s) for the increased return to duty for USA SF personnel remains unknown but a lack of posttraumatic stress disorder may be a contributing factor.

Combat-incurred bilateral transfemoral limb loss: a comparison of the Vietnam War to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

BACKGROUND: This study is a comparison of the self-reported health status, quality of life, function, and prosthetic use of veterans with bilateral transfemoral limb loss following combat injury in either the Vietnam War or the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, to learn what improvements in surgery, prosthetics, and rehabilitation have occurred. METHODS: Subjects were identified from Veteran's Administration and military databases. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of service members with bilateral transfemoral amputation who participated in a larger survey of service members with any type of amputation associated with a battlefield injury from the Vietnam War or Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF). The survey was conducted by mail, telephone, or Web site during 2007 to 2008. RESULTS: There were 501 subjects in the Vietnam group and 541 in the OIF/OEF group with any type of limb loss. Bilateral transfemoral amputation was reported in 23 (7.7%) of 298 of the Vietnam group and 10 (3.5%) of 283 of the OIF/OEF group (χ test, p = 0.04). Self-reported health status was rated as good to excellent in 40% of the Vietnam group and 80% in the OIF/OEF group (p = 0.04). Quality of life was rated as good to excellent in 54.6% of the Vietnam group and 70% of the OIF/OEF group (not significant). Wheelchair use is reported by 22 of 23 subjects in the Vietnam group and all of the subjects of the OIF/OEF group. Of the Vietnam group, 8 (34.7%) of 23 currently use prostheses versus 7 (70%) of 10 of the OIF/OEF group (χ test, p = 0.13). The mean (SD) number of prostheses currently used is 1.0 (1.9) for the Vietnam group and 4.0 (5.2) for the OIF/OEF group (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Participants who served in OIF/OEF and those who served in Vietnam report comparable quality of life. Prosthetic use continues to be a problem, especially as the service member ages. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic study, level III.