Comparison of the demographic and clinical characteristics, functional status and quality of life of lower extremity amputees to identify the reason for undergoing amputation

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare clinical and demographic characteristics, functional status and quality of life among patients who underwent amputation for the most common reason in our region. METHODS: Demographic data, level of and reasons for undergoing amputation and clinical data on the use of prostheses in 126 patients were recorded. The amputees were divided into three groups: vascular, trauma and landmine. Variables related to clinical and demographic characteristics, daily life activities and quality of life were investigated. Duration of prosthesis use, daily walking distance with prosthesis, 10-m walking speed with the prosthesis and 6-min walking distance of the amputees were recorded. The Short Form-36, Turkish version of the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales and Beck Depression Inventory were used to evaluate the patients' quality of life. The residual limb pain scale was used to evaluate the severity of pain. RESULTS: Comparison between the amputees in the trauma and vascular groups showed highly significant results (P < 0.001) in amputees in the trauma group with respect to all parameters of daily life activities, functional status and quality of life. Comparison between the vascular and landmine amputees showed significant results (P < 0.001) in the landmine amputees with respect to all parameters except emotional role functioning, social functioning and mental health. Comparison between the amputees in the trauma and landmine groups showed no significant results (P > 0.05) with respect to all parameters expect emotional role functioning and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: While the clinical and demographic characteristics, functional status and quality of life parameters were similar in the amputees in the trauma and landmine groups, they showed statistically significant differences in almost all parameters compared with those in vascular amputees.