Researchers from the Hanger Institute for Clinical Research and Education conducted a study to assess the change in patient outcomes resulting from lower-limb socket and prosthesis replacements. The study concluded that, on average, patients who receive a socket or prosthesis replacement can expect an improvement in their mobility and well-being.
Data from adults with unilateral lower-limb amputations who received either a replacement socket or prosthesis was collected during routine clinical care with questionnaires about quality of life and satisfaction (Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire-Well Being), and mobility (Prosthesis Limb Users Survey of Mobility). Statistical analyses were used to determine significant changes within each group. Hours the prosthesis was worn was collected as a secondary variable.
A total of 19,185 longitudinal outcomes were included in the final analysis and divided into four groups based on amputation level and socket or prosthesis replacement status (transfemoral socket replacement n=2,515, transtibial socket replacement n=7,746, replacement transfemoral prosthesis n=1,717, and replacement transtibial prosthesis n=7,207).
The researchers’ data analysis found that quality of life, satisfaction, and mobility improved significantly across all groups, with hours worn increasing after socket replacement in both groups but not in the prosthesis replacement groups. Individuals with vascular disease or diabetes had reduced mobility compared to other etiologies, and older age negatively impacted mobility.
“These results underscore the long-term benefits of replacements, advocating for prioritizing resources and support for prosthetic care to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals with an amputation,” according to the authors.
The study, “Patient reported outcomes improve following lower limb prosthesis and socket and replacement,” was published in the Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes.
