Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the functional and socio-professional future of lower limb-amputated patients.

Patients and methods

This is a 3-year-prospective study of lower limb-amputated patients, followed at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department of the University Hospital of Monastir. The data analyzed were epidemiological, clinical, functional [the index of locomotion (ICL), the score “Special interest group of the amputee physician” (SIGAM)] and socio-professionals.

Results

We collected 101 patients with a mean age of 61.3 years with a male predominance (75.2%). Sixteen patients (15.8%) were initially braced and 58 (57.4%) had their device during the study period with an average delay of 10.08 months compared to surgery. Seventy-two patients had a job and only 8 amputees initially had a driving license. Forty-nine patients (48.5%) were initially able to do their own toilet against by 52 (51.5%) needing a third person to help them. After fitting, the rates have improved from 74.13% to 82.75 as well as the walking ability.

For the device-fitted patients, ICL averaged 28.09. The average value of the non-ICL fitted patients initially increased from 25.89 to 31.25 (at least 6 months after being fitted). The SIGAM score assessment for all fitted patients showed that the most represented clinical grade was grade B for 20 patients (27.02%), followed by the degree F for 18 patients (24.32%). Forty-five patients (44.5%) had a professional outplacement and one remained able to drive after fitting.

Discussion/Conclusion

The device acquisition is a significant change for patients on the functional and professional levels. It allows a significant improvement in various activities of daily life with greater autonomy.