Prosthesis satisfaction and quality of life in US service members with combat-related major lower-limb amputation.

Background: Military amputee patient care programs offer extensive services, including advanced prosthetic devices, to restore function and improve quality of life (QOL) among veterans and service members with combat-related limb loss, but research on satisfaction with these devices is limited.

Objective: To assess prosthesis satisfaction and QOL in US service members and veterans with combat-related major lower-limb amputation.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Biomechanical improvements following foot strike biofeedback training for a patient using a passive dynamic ankle-foot orthosis during running.

Background And Purpose: Passive dynamic ankle-foot orthoses have potential to facilitate return to running after a lower limb trauma. However, transitioning patients to new movement patterns that enhance passive dynamic ankle-foot orthoses benefits can pose a challenge. The purpose of this case study was to report biomechanical and functional outcomes for a patient utilizing a passive dynamic ankle-foot orthoses following completion of a session-based, midfoot strike run training program.

Do Gait and Functional Parameters Change After Transtibial Amputation Following Attempted Limb Preservation in a Military Population?

Background: Surgical attempts at lower limb preservation after trauma may be complicated by pain and gait disturbances, which can impact the activity level of a military service member. It is unclear how later transtibial amputation (TTA) might affect patients who elect this option after attempts at limb preservation.

Questions/purposes: The purposes of the study were to compare preamputation and postamputation (1) the numeric rating scale for pain and pain medication use; (2) self-reported activity level, Four Square Step Test (FSST) results, and assistive device use; and (3) spatiotemporal variables measured with instrumented gait analysis in individuals who elected TTA after multiple attempts at limb preservation.

Limb Salvage With Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis Versus Transtibial Amputation: A Comparison of Functional Gait Outcomes.

Objectives: To determine if there is a difference in functional gait outcomes between patients with limb injuries treated with either transtibial amputation or limb preservation with the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis.

Design: Retrospective prognostic study.

Setting: Tertiary referral military hospital.