Skin Problems of the Stump in Lower Limb Amputees: 1. A Clinical Study

Henk E. J. Meulenbelt*, Jan H. B. Geertzen, Marcel F. Jonkman, Pieter U. Dijkstra

*Corresponding author for this work

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    Abstract

    Use of a prosthesis in lower limb amputees can lead to skin problems of the amputation stump. However, little is known about the epidemiology and type of problems experienced. We conducted a cross-sectional survey consisting of a questionnaire and a clinical assessment of the amputation stump. The aims of the study were to estimate the prevalence of skin problems of the amputation stump, to evaluate the impact of these skin problems and to evaluate differences between clinically observed skin problems and skin problems reported by the amputee. Participants (n=124) were recruited from among lower limb amputees who visited an orthopaedic workshop. The prevalence of skin problems was 36%. Problems identified were: reduction in prosthesis use, and reduction in walking distance without a break. Significantly more skin problems were reported than observed (p=0.011). Cold skin and excessive perspiration in particular were significantly more reported than observed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)173-177
    Number of pages5
    JournalActa dermato-venereologica
    Volume91
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2011

    Keywords

    • skin problems
    • lower limb amputees
    • questionnaire
    • sampling study

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