FUNCTIONAL RESTRICTION AND SATISFACTION WITH PROSTHESIS IN LOWER LIMB AMPUTEE PATIENTS

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate functional restriction and satisfaction with prosthesis in lower limb amputee patients and to determine the related factors. Material and Method: Forty three lower limb amputee patients were recruited to study. Demographic and clinic features of the patients were recorded. Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) was used to evaluate the functional restriction of the patients. To determine the patient satisfaction with prosthesis, Satisfaction with Prosthesis Questionnaire was administered. Results: Mean age of the patiens was 43,2 ± 12,4 years. Twenty eight of the patients had below-knee, 12 had above knee amputation and 3 patients had knee dysarticulation. Twenty-one (48%) patients had K4, 19 (33%) patients had K3 functional level. Modular active vacuumed prosthesis for 28 patients, modular prothesis with microprocessor for 10 patients, hydrolic prosthesis for 5 patients has been prescribed. The baseline GARS median score was 21(18-64). Control GARS median score was 19 (18 – 60). The mean satisfaction with prothesis which is evaluated with Satisfaction with Prosthesis Questionnaire was %82.9 (min: 37, max: 100). There was no correlation between patients’ satisfaction with prosthesis or functional level with age and amputation level. Twenty eight patients who had modular prosthesis before and prescribed new modular prosthesis had significant improvement of functionality. Conclusion: Prosthesis applications in lower extremity amputation decreases functional restriction and results in high patient satisfaction