Characterization of physiological changes in residual limb volume in transtibial amputees
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.28957/rcmfr.441Keywords:
Amputation, prosthesis and implants, amputation stumps, leg traumaAbstract
Introduction. Amputations are events that can have physical, psychological, and occupational consequences on individuals. In Colombia, these represent an important cause of physical limitation and are mainly associated with armed conflict.
Objectives. To characterize changes in stump volume in a group of patients with transtibial amputations who began the prosthetic fitting process at a hospital in Bogotá D.C. (Colombia); to identify possible factors associated with these changes and their time or occurrence; and to establish specific times for measuring the stump volume during the prosthetic adaptation process.
Methods. A prospective study was conducted with a series of cases that included adult patients (>18 years) diagnosed with transtibial amputation and who began the prosthetic fitting process at the Prosthetics and Amputee Service of the Central Military Hospital (Hospital Militar Central) of Bogotá D.C. between January 2022 and June 2023. The personal data of the participants, who were assessed on four occasions in which their stump length and circumference were measured and 3D scanned to calculate the stump volume, were recorded. A descriptive analysis was performed using the R statistical software. The data are described using absolute and relative frequencies for qualitative variables, and measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative variables.
Results. A total of 20 participants were included, all men, with a mean age of 34.66 years. 95% of the amputations were caused by an improvised explosive device, 75% were in the left leg and 60% had cylindrical morphology. A significant association was found between the time of use of the prosthesis and the activity level of the patient. It will be observed that changes in the volume, length and circumference of the stump do not follow a uniform pattern and vary between individuals; However, in the stumps of bulbous morphology, only reductions in volume were observed, without an increase in measurements. No significant associations were found between sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and changes in stump volume.
Conclusion. No sociodemographic factor or condition was identified as having a significant effect on stump volume changes. In addition, it was not possible to establish specific variability values or predict when changes in the stump volume will occur; therefore, it was not possible to establish specific times to perform measurement of the stump.
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