Changes in the activities of daily living (ADL) in relation to the level of amputation of patients undergoing lower extremity amputation for arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO).

BACKGROUND

The relationship between the level of amputation and the activities of daily living (ADL) in Japanese patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) is unclear.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

In the present study 81 patients with ASO who underwent lower extremity amputation and were discharged from hospital after rehabilitation we evaluated. The patients were classified into 4 groups: toe amputation group (Toe), heel-preserving amputation group (Heel), below-knee amputation group (BK), and above-knee amputation group (AK). ADL at discharge and factors affecting the length of hospitalization were determined. Patients were walking at discharge in 94.5%, 94.0%, 59.0%, and 0.0% of the Toe, the Heel, BK, and AK group, respectively. However, the ratio of patients able to walk independently was 68% in the Toe group and 19% in the Heel group. In addition, the length of hospital stay was significant shorter in the Toe group than in the other groups. Factors affecting the length of hospital stay were the amputation level, cerebrovascular disease, reoperation, and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

ADL are less affected and the length of hospital stay is shorter for patients undergoing toe amputation than other levels of lower extremity amputation. However, heel-preserving amputation maintains a comparable level of ADL in terms of ambulatory discharge.