Skin problems of the stump and hand function in lower limb amputees: A historic cohort study

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between liner-related skin problems of the stump in patients with a lower limb amputation and impaired hand function. Sixty patients who were treated in a rehabilitation hospital from 1998-2006 were included in an historic cohort study. Data were collected concerning the amputation, skin problems of the stump, co-morbidity, hand function, the prosthesis, liner use and mobility score. The study population consisted of 50 trans-tibial and 10 knee disarticulation amputees, 43 male and 17 female, with a mean age of 62.3 years. The majority (63%) had a vascular reason for amputation. Blisters, folliculitis, rash and surface wounds on the stump were operationalized as being liner related. In patients with an impaired hand function, 70% had experienced liner-related skin problems of the stump, whereas 32% of the patients with a normal hand function had experienced skin problems (p=0.035). This study shows that impaired hand function poses an increased risk for skin problems in the amputation stump in patients with a lower limb amputation and liner use in their prosthesis.