Mapping Amputee Residuum Changes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Shape and volume adaptation of the residuum of the lower limb amputee over short and long term.
IRAS ID
192972
Contact name
James LJ BIlzon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 14 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
The majority of lower limb amputations are now due to the effects of vascular disease on patients over 65 years of age. Amputation rates are continuing to rise, in part due to the continuing increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but also traumatic injury.
Following amputation, the residual limb of adults always undergoes substantial changes in shape and volume during postoperative recovery. These fluctuations are often magnified in the elderly and populations with poor circulation due to oedema and other fluid retention in lower limbs.
Fluctuations in the distribution of mechanical pressures between the residual limb and the prosthesis contribute to these changes. Several months after surgery daily volume fluctuations continue, with their magnitude varying among individuals.
Accurate measurement of the residual limb volume is important to determine the right moment for definitive prosthetic fitting, and for the success of the prosthesis and the rehabilitation process.
The proposed research is a longitudinal study that aims to generate a more accurate profile of the daily and long term volume changes of the residuum, providing data which can immediately be utilised to inform the patient’s rehabilitation and for prosthesis design to ensure optimum fit over time.
We aim to recruit 24 patients following a lower limb amputation, through the Bristol Centre for Enablement (North Bristol NHS Trust), which they will routinely visit for postoperative rehabilitation.
We intend to develop a novel dataset on residuum volume/shape change, by applying a range of advanced optical and laser 3D scanning techniques in combination with residual limb surface pressure monitoring and physical activity assessments. The dataset will include: i) longitudinal tracking over a 36-week period (updates every 4 weeks); ii) a series of within day measurements that capture the short-term effect common lifestyle-rehabilitation tasks have on residual limb volume.Summary of Results
The results of the study showed that the residual limb volume and shape for people with lower limb amputation changes over a period of 9 months after the amputation (amputees).
The data showed that the residual limb of lower limb amputees shrinks with a lost volume of 40% of the original volume in the first 6 months after the amputation.
Changes in volume within the day are still present after 6-9 months in the range of 10-15% of the original volume.REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0125
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion