Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors that predict walking with a prosthesis after
lower limb amputation. DESIGN: Systematic literature review. METHODS: A
computer-aided literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane
Library was performed to identify studies published up to August 2007 that
investigated factors that predicted walking ability after lower limb amputation.
RESULTS: A total of 57 studies were selected. Predictors of good walking ability
following lower limb amputation include cognition, fitness, ability to stand on
one leg, independence in activities of daily living and pre-operative mobility.
Longer time from surgery to rehabilitation and stump problems are predictors of
poor outcome. The impact of the cause of amputation on walking varies between
studies. In general, unilateral and distal amputation levels, and younger age
were predictive of better walking ability. Sex probably does not have a
significant influence on walking ability. CONCLUSION: The heterogeneity of
methods and outcome measures used in the identified studies make comparison
difficult and, in part, explains conflicting conclusions in relation to
predictive factors. Further investigation of predictive factors is needed to
estimate walking potential more accurately and guide targeting of modifiable
factors to optimize outcome after lower limb amputation.

Langue : ANGLAIS