Article

OBJECTIVE: To identify determinants of skin problems in lower-limb amputees.
DESIGN: Survey, using a questionnaire. SETTING: Not applicable. PARTICIPANTS:
Lower-limb amputees (N=2039) who either obtained their prosthesis through the
Orthopedische Instrument Makerij (a group of orthopedic workshops in the
Netherlands) or were a member of the (Dutch) National Society of Amputees
(Landelijke Vereniging van Geamputeerden) were invited to participate. In total,
872 lower-limb amputees agreed to participate. INTERVENTION: Amputees filled in
the questionnaire to assess characteristics of the amputation and prosthesis,
level of activity, stump and prosthesis hygiene, and skin problems. Stepwise
backward logistic regression was performed to analyze determinants of skin
problems. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Skin problems in the month prior to completing
the questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 816 questionnaires were received.
Eventually 805 questionnaires were suitable for statistical analysis. Protective
determinants were (in order of magnitude of association) older age, male sex, and
amputation because of peripheral arterial disease and/or diabetes. Provocative
determinants were (in order of magnitude of association) use of antibacterial
soap, smoking, and washing the stump 4 times a week or more often. In total, 63%
of the participants (95% confidence interval, 60%-67%) reported 1 or more skin
problems. CONCLUSIONS: The provocative determinants identified in this study--use
of antibacterial soap, smoking, and stump washing frequency--have to be studied
for their clinical relevance.

Langue : ANGLAIS