Pre and post-amputation mobility of trans-tibial amputees: Correlation to medical problems, age and mortality

V. J. Johnson, S. Kondziela, F. Gottschalk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Scopus citations

Abstract

This retrospective study compares pre and post-amputation mobility and the influence of age and associated medical problems. Data from the charts of 120 male patients who underwent unilateral trans-tibial (below-knee) amputation at the Dallas Veteran's Administration Hospital between June, 1983 and October, 1991, were collected and analyzed. Mobility was assessed with a six level scale developed by Volpicelliet al(1983). The presence of cardiac disease, pulmonary disease (COPD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), diabetes mellitus, degenerative joint disease, blindness, cerebral vascular accident (CVA), and age are correlated with changes in mobility after amputation. Older patients had more medical problems and lower post-amputation scores. Individual medical problems did not influence mobility scores, but the presence of COPD and PVD lowered pre-amputation mobility scores. Cardiac disease and diabetes mellitus influenced post-amputation mobility scores by lowering them, either together or individually. Regardless of age, however, patients with more medical problems were poor ambulators. The cause of amputationper sedid not influence mobility scores.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)159-164
Number of pages6
JournalProsthetics and Orthotics International
Volume19
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1995

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Professions (miscellaneous)
  • Rehabilitation

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