Outcomes of individuals with transfemoral and contralateral transtibial amputation due to dysvascular etiologies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional outcome of individuals with transfemoral and contralateral transtibial amputations secondary to peripheral vascular disease.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review followed by phone interview. The primary outcome measures were the discharge 2-minute walk test, Frenchay Activities Index, and the Houghton Scale.

RESULTS: There were 31 dysvascular individuals identified to have a combination of transfemoral/transtibial (TF/TT) amputation admitted to our institution for rehabilitation from February 1998 to June 2007. The mortality at follow up was 68%. There were eight surviving amputees. The average 2-minute walk test score was 31.9 m at the time of discharge from our inpatient program. Of these, the average Frenchay Activities Index was 15.3. The average Houghton Scale score for use of the transtibial prosthesis alone was 2.1. The average Houghton Scale score for use of both prostheses was 1.5. Comparisons between groups based on initial amputation level revealed a significant difference of being fitted with a transfemoral prosthesis. Those whom initially had a TT amputation were less likely to ultimately be fitted with a TF prosthesis (X(2) (1,n=31) = 4.76, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The overall functional outcome of individuals with a combination of TF/TT amputation due to dysvascular causes is poor. These individuals have a low level of ambulation, activity, and prosthetic use.