Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, Orthopedic Research Center, Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
2
School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
3
Department of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, Orthopedic Research Center, Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
4
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: In some cases of major lower limb trauma, either amputation or limb preservation is performed. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life in patients undergoing amputation versus limb preservation.
Materials & Methods: In a cross-sectional comparative study, patients with major lower limb trauma who underwent either lower limb amputation or limb preservation were evaluated at least six months post injury. Quality of life was assessed and compared between the two groups using SF-36 questionnaire.
Results & Discussion: A total of 94 patients, including 80.9% male and 0.9% female, with mean age of 41.5 years (range 18 to 64), with the mean study period of 6 months, were included in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the two study groups regarding age, gender, marital status, number of children, education level, smoking, or substance and alcohol abuse. The sub-scales of general health (P = 0.001) and vitality (energy) (P = 0.002) were significantly higher in the amputation group in comparison with the limb-preservation group within the six- months post injury.
Conclusion: In patients with major trauma, attempts to preserve the limb, instead of immediate amputation results into longer hospital stays, increased incidence of infections, and higher rates of re-operation. Amputation, within a minimum of six months, leads to improved quality of life, particularly in the domains of general health and vitality.
Keywords
Subjects
