The Impact of the Immediate Postoperative Prosthesis on Patient Mobility and Quality of Life after Transtibial Amputation

BACKGROUND: The immediate postoperative prosthesis has been purported to allow early mobilization with potential physical and psychologic benefits to patients. This study used accelerometers and validated questionnaires to prospectively examine activity level and quality of life data for patients receiving an immediate postoperative prosthesis after transtibial amputation. METHODS: A total of 10 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 58 yrs (range, 22–69 yrs), there were 9 men and 1 woman, and reason for amputation was nonhealing gangrenous ulcer in 9 patients and ischemic limb in 1 patient. Patients were followed for 6 wks. Activity data were collected on ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers and analyzed using ActiLife 6 Data Analysis Software. At the 6-wk postoperative visit, an Amputee Mobility Predictor clinician-rated performance evaluation was conducted and a Short Form-36 questionnaire was completed. RESULTS: Patients in the cohort spent an average of 88% (range, 83%–92%) of their time sedentary, 11.5% (range, 7.6%–16.9%) of their time in light physical activity, and 0.3% (range, 0.12%–1.36%) of their time in moderate to vigorous physical activity. No statistically significant relationships were observed between expected level of function and recorded activity level. Patients had low physical and emotional Short Form-36 component scores. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with transtibial amputations were extremely sedentary in the early postoperative period despite their immediate postoperative prosthesis dressings.