CLINICAL OUTCOMES COMPARING TWO PROSTHETIC KNEE DESIGNS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH UNILATERAL TRANSFEMORAL AMPUTATION IN TURKEY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcome assessments provide important input for the rehabilitation of individuals with transfemoral amputation. Differences in prosthetic knee designs may influence clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of this study was to compare functional mobility, balance, prosthetic satisfaction and quality of life in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation with microprocessor-controlled (MPK) and non-microprocessor knee designs (Non-MPK).

METHODOLOGY: The study included ten experienced MPK (Rheo Knee) users (Group 1) and ten experienced Non-MPK (Total Knee^® 2000) users (Group 2). For mobility; the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), for balance; the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Single Leg Stand Test (SLST) and Four Square Step Test (FSST), for quality of life; the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and for prosthetic satisfaction; the Satisfaction with Prosthesis Questionnaire (SATPRO) were administered.

FINDINGS: 6MWT results of the MPK group were significantly higher than Non-MPK group (p <0.05). In the MPK group a strong negative correlation was found between the FSST and the 6MWT (r= -0.661, p=0.038). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups (p>0.05) comparing balance, prosthesis satisfaction and quality of life values.

CONCLUSION: The findings will inform about the patient’s prognosis and the expected clinical outcomes when prescribing an MPK or an Non-MPK. Individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation covered longer distances using an MPK compared to Non-MPK.

Layman's Abstract

Individuals living with an amputation above the knee are limited in mobility which effects their quality of life. Specific prosthetic knee designs may have a long-term impact on the quality of life. This study showed that prosthetic users can walk further with the Rheo knee as compared to those who are using the Total Knee^® 2000. However, both groups seemed to be equally happy with their quality of life, equally satisfied with their prosthesis, and their balance capabilities appeared to be similar.