Ultrasonographic measurement of the distal femoral cartilage thickness in patients with unilateral transtibial amputation

作者：Akkaya Nuray^*; Akkaya Semih; Ozcakar Levent; Demirkan Fahir; Kiter Esat; Konukcu Sibel; Ardic Fusun

来源：Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 2013, 37(4): 268-274.

DOI：10.1177/0309364612464233

• Transtibial amputation
• amputee
• femur
• cartilage thickness
• ultrasonography

Background: Lower limb amputation sometimes predisposes to degenerative secondary disorders. %26lt;br%26gt;Objectives: To evaluate the distal femoral cartilage thicknesses of patients with unilateral transtibial amputations using ultrasound and to investigate the relationship between cartilage thickness and disease-related parameters. %26lt;br%26gt;Study Design: Cross-sectional study. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods: Twenty-four unilateral transtibial amputees (mean age: 46.4 +/- 8.5 years, range: 28-60 years) were evaluated. Duration of prosthesis use (years) and daily walking time with prosthesis (hours) were recorded. Functional status was assessed by gate velocity (m/s), and 6-min walking distance (m) with prosthesis. Ultrasound was used to measure distal femoral cartilage thicknesses bilaterally at medial/lateral condyles and the intercondylar areas. The percentages of cartilage loss (of the amputee-side in comparison with the nonamputee-side) were calculated. %26lt;br%26gt;Results: Compared to the nonamputee-sides, distal femoral cartilage was significantly thinner at lateral condyles and the intercondylar areas on the amputee-sides (p %26lt; 0.05). Significant positive correlations were detected between the percentage of cartilage loss (at all three sites of measurement) and gate velocity, 6-min walking distance, and daily walking time with prosthesis (all p %26lt; 0.05). %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusions: Future prospective controlled studies are warranted to determine the principles of optimum prosthetic use regarding its possible effects on the femoral cartilage of amputee patients.

• 出版日期2013-8