Issues of importance reported by persons with lower limb amputations and prostheses

The purpose of this paper is to report prosthesis-related issues of importa nce that were identified by a diverse group of persons living with lower li mb amputations (LLA) and prostheses. These perceptions and themes validate some old assumptions and challenge others, report both common and unusual e xperiences, and indirectly identify the information level of our respondent s concerning prostheses. Persons with LLA were identified from computerized rosters at a level one regional trauma center and at the VA Puget Sound He alth Care System-Seattle, Division. Inclusion criteria specified that respo ndents were to: 1)be one or more years post-unilateral amputation at the Sy me's level (ankle disarticulation) or higher, 2) use their prosthesis at le ast 5 days a week, 3) read English, and 4) be able to provide informed cons ent. Respondents completed the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire-field ve rsion (PEQ) and the standard form (SF)-36, a health status measure. Of 114 persons who agreed to participate, 92 (85% male, mean age 55 years) respond ed to the questionnaire and graded the personal importance of various chara cteristics and qualities of their prosthesis. The number of years since the ir last amputation ranged from 1 to 53 years. Four Themes of Interest were identified from responses to open-ended questions about living with a prost hesis. These themes included the fit of the socket with the residual limb, aspects of the mechanical functioning of the prosthesis, other nonmechanica l qualities, and advice about adaptation to life with a prosthesis with sup port from others. Future research is recommended to adjust aspects of the f it of the prosthesis with the residual limb. Implementing periodic check-up visits could uncover problems and eliminate unnecessary suffering.