Health indicators related to prosthesis use and quality of life in elderlytrans-femoral amputees

Abstract

Background: The geriatric population of persons aged 65 and older is growing rapidly and is estimated to double in the next 30 years. The amputation of a limb in elderly people is a significant intervention. In addition to changes in body structure and functions, the affected person is confronted with a number of physical limitations, participation restrictions and risks, which influence the general health as well as quality of life and are related to prosthetic use. But, very little is known about health issues and prosthesis use related to amputation in the elderly population. Aim: The aim is to give a descriptive analysis of amputee characteristics and health indicators related to prosthesis use (HIRP) as well as of health-related quality of life in a population of elderly individuals with unilateral trans-femoral amputation and low grade of mobility. Method: The study used a descriptive design and was performed as an explorative cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire with a compilation of standardised measurement tools (GARS, Houghton Scale, LCI, FES-I, SF-36) was used to collect objective-related primary data in a convenience sample of elderly trans-femoral amputees in structured interviews. The interviews were conducted in different settings. Results: Twenty-six eligible individuals were interviewed. Their mean age was 72.35 ± 6.9 years. The male female ratio was 5.5:1 in the sample. Defined as mobility grade 1 were 46.2% (N=12) and 53.8% (N=14) as mobility grade 2. The dominant aetiology was vascular disease (69.2%, N=18). Participants scored as followed: 52 (range 24 to 67) on GARS; 1 (range 1 to 11) on Houghton Scale; 23 (range 0 to 49) on LCI; 41.19 ± 9.57 on FES-I; from 20.9 ± 16.7 to 80.8 ± 35.5 on all eight dimensions of the SF-36. Discussion: GARS revealed that amputees with TFA are dependent on the help of others in many activities. Successful prosthetic ambulation was only achieved in four participants. Individuals reported restricted mobility and problems with activities of daily living. Regarding this, successful prosthetic ambulation was low. Elderly amputees tend to have high concerns about falling. QoL of elderly amputees was poor, especially in dimensions with regard to physical components. Comparability of results with other studies is limited.