Evaluation related to functioning and prosthetic adaptation with low-cost exoskeletal prostheses in patients with lower limb amputations

Abstract

An amputation leads to a permanent disability, brings a dramatic change in life and functioning of the individual. The use of prostheses is a critical factor in the reintegration of patients to most of their usual activities. To evaluate the perception of functioning in lower limb amputee patients for any cause with low cost exoskeletal prostheses donated by a workshop of orthopedic devices in Medellin-Colombia between 2007–2016. Cross-sectional study in patients with lower limb amputations during a period of 9 years, by phone survey created by Grupo de Rehabilitación en Salud – Universidad de Antioquia in the development of Clinical Practice Guideline Colombian on amputees. The survey includes questions related to time of daily use, walking with or without assistive devices and overall satisfaction with the use of the prostheses. A total of 3076 beneficiaries were in database, 247 people were located, 83% were on low-income population, 235 patients answered the survey, and 46% continued using the low-cost prosthesis (12 hours per day) donated by the Corporación Mahavir Kmina Artificial Limb Center (54 patients had amputation above the knee and 57 used assistive devices), 20% used another endoskeletal prostheses, 29% did not adapt to any, and 5% were amputated again. 54% of the amputations were due to medical causes and 46% due to traumatisms. Among the medical causes, 71% were due to neurovascular diseases and due to trauma - traffic accidents 61% (43% on motorcycles). Moreover, 67.5% were able to walk independently, 87% were able to perform normal daily activities and 64% complex activities. The user satisfaction index was 83%. Functional perceptions of exoskeletal prostheses users attending by the Corporación Mahavir Kmina Artificial Limb Center have shown a high degree of independence, which improves their physical and emotional well-being. In summary the final perception of the treatment is multidimensional.