Satisfaction and adjustment to the prosthesis of individuals with lower limb amputation

Abstract

Aims: Evaluate satisfaction and adjustment to the prosthesis of individuals with lower limb amputation. Methods: Participants were 24 patients with lower limb amputation with 46,1±17,5 years and using the prosthesis for 10,8±8,7 years. A card was used to characterize the individuals and the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) to evaluate satisfaction and adjustment to the prosthesis. Data were collected from institutions that serving amputees in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics at a 5% significance level. Results: There was no significant difference in the results of the PEQ between individuals when compared to the level of amputation and time using the prosthesis. Regarding the scores between groups with vascular and traumatic amputation, was a significant difference in residual limb health subscale, with higher scores and consequently better health of the residual limb in amputees with vascular causes, besides better higher scores on the scale of satisfaction in these individuals. Conclusions: It was concluded that patients with a vascular cause of amputation are more satisfied with their prosthesis, with the way they walk and how things are from amputation and also have better health of the residual limb in relation to individuals with traumatic amputation. However, the level and time of amputation do not seem to influence the satisfaction and adjustment of the prosthesis.