Comparing OutcomeS of Through knee and Above knee Amputation (COSTAA)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparing OutcomeS of Through knee and Above knee Amputation (COSTAA)
IRAS ID
255342
Contact name
George Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, R&D Department
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 17 days
Research summary
Major lower limb amputation is a life changing surgical procedure to treat complications of diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease. The level of function after amputation is dependent on pre-morbid levels of activity, age, co-morbidities and the level of amputation. The level of amputation performed is determined by level of disease and surgical assessment. Below knee amputation provides the best functional outcomes due to the benefits of keeping the knee intact. When a below knee amputation is not possible, routine practice is to perform an above knee amputation. Greater challenges for rehabilitation present at this level due to the shorter lever. Amputation through the knee is less commonly performed despite its reported benefits which include a long mechanical lever arm, an end-bearing stump and greater muscle control.
A recent systematic review recommends further comparison of through knee and above knee amputation. The recommended areas of research are gait biomechanics and quality of life for these patient groups. Therefore the aim of this research is to compare and contrast the long term biomechanical and quality of life outcomes of limb wearing through knee and above knee amputees. The study will be split into two workstreams, the first focusing on gait biomechanics and the second focusing on quality of life using semi-structured interviews.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
19/WA/0124
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion