Through Knee Amputation Clinical Trial
Official title:
Comparing OutcomeS of Through Knee and Above Knee Amputation (COSTAA)
Major lower limb amputation is a life changing surgical procedure to treat complications of diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease. The level of function after amputation is dependent on pre-morbid levels of activity, age, co-morbidities and the level of amputation. The level of amputation performed is determined by level of disease and surgical assessment. Below knee amputation provides the best functional outcomes due to the benefits of keeping the knee intact. When a below knee amputation is not possible, routine practice is to perform an above knee amputation. Greater challenges for rehabilitation present at this level due to the shorter lever. Amputation through the knee is less commonly performed despite its reported benefits which include a long mechanical lever arm, an endbearing stump and greater muscle control. A recent systematic review recommends further comparison of through knee and above knee amputation. The recommended areas of research are gait biomechanics and quality of life for these patient groups. Therefore, the aim of this research is to compare and contrast the long-term functional mobility and quality of life outcomes of limb wearing through knee and above knee amputees. The study will be split into two workstreams, the first focusing on functional outcomes and the second focusing on quality of life using semi-structured interviews.
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