FUNCTIONAL AND HEALTH RELATED ANALYSIS IN THE DISCIPLINE OF PROSTHETICS

The purpose of this investigation was to identify the determinants of patient satisfaction with outcome after a period of wearing prosthesis. The instruments demonstrate adequate internal consistency of average mean 2.39 for lower extremity functional status and average mean 3.44 for health related quality of life. Subjective variables associated with pain were independent predictors of patient satisfaction. Thus, in assessing patient satisfaction, importance of patient-derived subjective assessment of symptoms and function are emphasized. Documenting mechanical stability of the prosthesis is inadequate when reporting follow-up studies and a questionnaires assessing patient satisfaction should be added to provide a better picture of the outcome and results.