STUMP LENGTH AS RELATED TO ATROPHY AND STRENGTH OF THE THIGH MUSCLES IN TRANS-TIBIAL AMPUTEES

Stump length and the thigh muscles strength ai the amputated limb are among the major factors influencing outcome of prosthetic rehabilitati on of trans-tibial amputees. In the present study the authors evaluate d and compared the strength of quadriceps and hamstrings muscles of bo th limbs in trans-tibial amputees. as measured by means of an electric al dynamometer, The obtained results showed that the thigh muscles of the sound limbs are significantly stronger than those of the amputated limbs (p<0.01), The results obtained for amputees with shorter slumps were compared to those with longer stumps, In the group of amputees ( n=9) with a stump shorter than 15.1 cm, values of peak torque (in isok inetic contraction) and maximal average torque (in isometric contracti on) were significantly (p<0.5) weaker when compared to those (n=9) wit h a stump longer than 15.1 cm. The results obtained for amputees with a higher rate of thigh muscle atrophy were compared to those with less er atrophy. In the group of amputees where muscle atrophy was accompan ied by decrease in thigh girth of over 5.9 cm, muscles strength did no t significantly decrease (p<0.5) as compared to amputees where thigh g irth decrease was less than 5.9 cm. It is concluded that atrophy of th e thigh muscles of trans-tibial amputees is accompanied with a signifi cant decrease in strength. In amputees with a short stump, the short l ever action provided by the stump interferes with the ability of the t high muscles to control the prosthesis efficiently during daily activi ties such as standing and walking.