Correlation of Stump Length with Temporo-Spatial and Kinematic Outcome in Trans-tibial Amputees

Abstract

Background: Amputation is the surgical or traumatic removal of extremity or part of body. Limb amputation is the last option to save the patient’s life by removing the dead or the dying part of the limb with trans-tibial amputation commonly known as below knee amputation.

Objectives: To determine correlation of temporo-spatial and kinemetic trends with stump length in Trans-tibial amputees.

Methodology: This correlational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gait Lab of PIPOS Peshawar after Approval from the Institutional Research Board, Isra University Islamabad. Study recruited N=180 unilateral, male, K3 and K4 level trans tibial amputees, aged 15-30 years of age using purposive sampling. The data was collected under the “Simi Motion Analysis camera system” to measure the gait parameters related to tempura-spatial variables and kinematics. The stump length and stride length was measured using the measuring tape. Correlations of patients’ stump length with temporo-spatial and kinematics were determined using Pearson’s correlation matrix. P-value of 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Study sample with mean age of 25.69±4.17 years, revealed that stump length had no significant correlation with stride length (r=0.032, p=0.665), cadence (r-0.079,p=0.29), velocity (r=-0.039, p=0.6), stance phase (r=-0.068, p=0.363), swing phase (r=0.06, p=0.423), hip joint kinematics of amputated side (r=-0.06, p=0.426), knee joint kinematics ie., flexion at terminal stance (r=-0.129, p=0.085), flexion at mid swing (r=0.004, p=0.954)  of amputated side , pelvic tilt (r=0.049, p=0.517) and trunk bending both lateral trunk flexion (r=0.041, p=0.588) and forward lean (r=-0.036, p=0.634) at mid stance.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the stump length had no substantial influence on the temporo-spatial and kinematic gait parameters in subjects with Trans tibial amputation