Abstract

Introduction: Very little is known about amputations in our setting. What are the functional results of amputated lower limb replacement prostheses in our context?
Methodology: To answer this question, we carried out a preliminary descriptive cross-sectional survey from February to April 2020 of all lower limb amputees whose prosthesis were done at the National Center for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities (NCPD) between 2015 and 2019. Patients were amputated in or out of the NCPD, and came for prosthesis. We used the Questionnaire for Trans Femoral Amputations (Q-TFA) of Kerstin Harberg modified and adapted to transtibial amputations where needed.
Results: We had 53 patients. The mean age was 46.92 [19-75] years old. The sex ratio was 3/1 with 41 men and 12 women. The upper 1/3 of the leg was the most common amputation level at 33.96%. The left side was the most amputated side, 54.72%. The main cause of lower limb amputation was trauma with 52.83%. The stump scars were invaginated (49.06%), flat (28.30%) or adherent (22, 64%). The stumps were tonic (81.13%), flabby (11.32%) atrophied (7.55%). The most widely used prosthesis was the one with a sleeve made from EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate) and the socket from polypropylene (43.40%). The daily wearing of the prosthesis was 37.74%. Phantom limb pain, stump pain, stump fatigue, and inability to walk quickly were the most common difficulties with 43.40%, 41.51%, 37.73% and 35.85% respectively. 76.92% amputees needed a walking aid and 38.46% needed two crutches to move. Without assistance, they could: stand for 10-15 minutes (81.13%), sit comfortably on a low chair (92%), tie laces while sitting and bent forward (86.54%) and easily sit on the ground and get up (86.96%). With the walking aid they could: go up and down stairs without a holding the ramp (77.36%), go up a slope (75.47%), go down a slope (75%), walk on uneven ground (57.69 %) and walk quickly for a distance of 50 meters (37.74%). A daily walking perimeter of 10, 50, 200, 500 and 1000 meters was possible for 96.15%, 84.31%, 50.98% 23.53% and 0% of the patients. After amputation, 56.60% of patients could concerve their previous employment.