Article

It is difficult for the lower limb amputee patients to adapt to their
new lifestyles. OBJECTIVE : To compare the life quality and functionality of
patients with bilateral vs. unilateral lower extremity amputations. STUDY DESIGN :
Cross-sectional study. METHODS : Fifteen bilateral and 15 unilateral lower
extremity amputee patients were enrolled. Demographics, cause and level of
amputations, frequency and duration of prosthesis use were evaluated. SF-36,
Satisfaction with Prosthesis Questionnaire (SAT-PRO), Amputee Body Image Scale.
(ABIS), Houghton Scale (HS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and 10-metre walk test
(10 MWT) were performed. RESULTS: Physical function, physical and emotional role
scores of SF-36 were significantly lower in the bilateral amputee group in
comparison with the unilateral group. SAT-PRO and ABIS total scores were similar
between the groups. There was a positive correlation between the frequency of
prosthetic use and SF-36 subgroups (except pain). The unilateral amputee group
had significantly better scores than the bilateral amputee group in terms of HS,
6MWT and 10 MWT. CONCLUSION: Physical capacity of bilateral lower extremity
amputee patients is lower than the unilateral amputee patients; satisfaction with
prosthesis and body image are not related with the amputation level; and the life
quality and satisfaction with prostheses are increased in parallel with the use
of the prostheses. Clinical relevance Although differences exist between the
groups, in terms of quality of life and functionality, patients can reach an
acceptable life standard with good rehabilitation and a suitable prosthesis.

Langue : ANGLAIS