Effect of Fluid Collections on Long-Term Outcome After Lower Limb Amputation

Abstract

Singh R, Venkateshwara G. Effect of fluid collections on long-term outcome after lower limb amputation. ObjectiveTo ascertain the long-term outcome for individuals found to have fluid collections in residual limbs after amputation. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingOutpatient follow-up at a prosthetic rehabilitation unit. ParticipantsSuccessive lower limb amputations (N=105) scanned for fluid collections after operation and followed up after 3 years. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresSurvival; secondary outcomes of prosthetic limb use, hours of prosthetic limb-wearing, anxiety and depression levels. ResultsAfter 3 years, 70 individuals were alive, of whom 21 (30%) had fluid collections originally. There was no significant difference at follow-up between the group that had fluid collections in their residual limbs after surgery and the group that did not in terms of survival (χ21=.21, P=.64), numbers wearing prosthetic limb (χ21=.102, P=.75), hours of limb wearing (t37=.35, P=.72), anxiety (χ21=.77, P=.78), and depression (χ21=1.98, P=.16). A multivariable logistic regression confirmed that presence of fluid collection was not associated with survival. ConclusionsFluid collections in residual limbs after amputation are common, but patients can be reassured that their long-term outcomes are not affected.