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Journal of Functional Morphology and... Feb 2023Individuals with lower-limb amputations may have a significant strength deficit. This deficit may be related to the stump length and can lead to changes in gait, reduced... (Review)
Review
Individuals with lower-limb amputations may have a significant strength deficit. This deficit may be related to the stump length and can lead to changes in gait, reduced energy efficiency, walking resistance, altered joint load, and increased risk of osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. This systematic review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines to examine the effects of resistance training in lower limb amputees. Interventions with resistance training and other training methods were sufficient to achieve muscle strength gain in muscles of the lower limbs, improved balance, and improvements in gait pattern and speed when walking. However, it was impossible to determine from the results whether resistance training was mainly responsible for these benefits or even whether the positive effects presented would be observed with only this training method. When combined with other exercises, interventions with resistance training made possible gains for this population. Accordingly, it is noteworthy that the main finding of this systematic review is that the effects may be different according to the level of amputation, with mainly transtibial and transfemoral amputations studied.
PubMed: 36810507
DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8010023 -
PloS One 2020Phantom limb pain (PLP)-pain felt in the amputated limb-is often accompanied by significant suffering. Estimates of the burden of PLP have provided conflicting data. To... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Phantom limb pain (PLP)-pain felt in the amputated limb-is often accompanied by significant suffering. Estimates of the burden of PLP have provided conflicting data. To obtain a robust estimate of the burden of PLP, we gathered and critically appraised the literature on the prevalence and risk factors associated with PLP in people with limb amputations.
METHODS
Articles published between 1980 and July 2019 were identified through a systematic search of the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Africa-Wide Information, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Academic Search Premier. Grey literature was searched on databases for preprints. Two reviewers independently conducted the screening of articles, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. The meta-analyses were conducted using the random effects model. A statistically significant level for the analyses was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS
The pooling of all studies demonstrated a prevalence estimate of 64% [95% CI: 60.01-68.05] with high heterogeneity [I2 = 95.95% (95% CI: 95.10-96.60)]. The prevalence of PLP was significantly lower in developing countries compared to developed countries [53.98% vs 66.55%; p = 0.03]. Persistent pre-operative pain, proximal site of amputation, stump pain, lower limb amputation and phantom sensations were identified as risk factors for PLP.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis estimates that six of every 10 people with an amputation report PLP-a high and important prevalence of PLP. Healthcare professionals ought to be aware of the high rates of PLP and implement strategies to reduce PLP by addressing known risk factors, specifically those identified by the current study.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Clinical Decision-Making; Humans; Phantom Limb; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 33052924
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240431 -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... Nov 2023The prosthetic socket is a key component that influences prosthesis satisfaction, with a poorly fitting prosthetic socket linked to prosthesis abandonment and reduced... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The prosthetic socket is a key component that influences prosthesis satisfaction, with a poorly fitting prosthetic socket linked to prosthesis abandonment and reduced community participation. This paper reviews adjustable socket designs, as they have the potential to improve prosthetic fit and comfort through accommodating residual limb volume fluctuations and alleviating undue socket pressure.
METHODS
Systematic literature and patent searches were conducted across multiple databases to identify articles and patents that discussed adjustable prosthetic sockets. The patents were used to find companies, organisations, and institutions who currently sell adjustable sockets or who are developing devices.
RESULTS
50 literature articles and 63 patents were identified for inclusion, representing 35 different designs used in literature and 16 commercially available products. Adjustable sockets are becoming more prevalent with 73% of publications (literature, patents, and news) occurring within the last ten years. Two key design characteristics were identified: principle of adjustability (inflatable bladders, moveable panels, circumferential adjustment, variable length), and surface form (conformable, rigid multi-DOF, and rigid single DOF). Inflatable bladders contributed to 40% of literature used designs with only one identified commercially available design (n = 16) using this approach. Whereas circumferential adjustment designs covered 75% of identified industry designs compared to only 36% of literature devices. Clinical studies were generally small in size and only 17.6% of them assessed a commercially available socket.
DISCUSSION
There are clear differences in the design focus taken by industry and researchers, with justification for choice of design and range of adjustment often being unclear. Whilst comfort is often reported as improved with an adjustable socket, the rationale behind this is not often discussed, and small study sizes reduce the outcome viability. Many adjustable sockets lack appropriate safety features to limit over or under tightening, which may present a risk of tissue damage or provide inadequate coupling, affecting function and satisfaction. Furthermore, the relationship between design and comfort or function are rarely investigated and remain a significant gap in the literature. Finally, this review highlights the need for improved collaboration between academia and industry, with a strong disconnect observed between commercial devices and published research studies.
Topics: Humans; Prosthesis Design; Research Design; Amputation Stumps; Artificial Limbs; Extremities
PubMed: 37926807
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01270-0 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Aug 2021Controlling pain after major lower limb amputation (MLLA) is of critical importance to patients and clinicians. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Controlling pain after major lower limb amputation (MLLA) is of critical importance to patients and clinicians. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of perineural catheters (PNCs) on post-operative pain, post-operative morphine requirement, in-hospital mortality, long term phantom limb pain, and chronic stump pain.
METHODS
A systematic review using PubMed, EMBASE via OVID and the Cochrane library from database inception (1946) to 20 October 2020 was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies involving patients undergoing MLLA which reported on post-operative morphine requirement, pain scores, in-hospital mortality, phantom limb pain (PLP), and chronic stump pain were included. Studies comparing PNC use with epidural or wound site local anaesthetic infusions were excluded. Outcome data were extracted from individual studies and meta-analysis was performed using a random effects (Mantel-Haenszel) model for dichotomous data using an odds ratio (OR) summary statistic with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and with an inverse variance random effects model for continuous data using a standardised mean difference (SMD) summary statistic with 95% CIs. Sensitivity analyses were performed for post-operative pain scores and post-operative morphine requirement. Study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black score, and outcomes were assessed using the GRADE tool.
RESULTS
Ten studies reporting on 731 patients were included, with 350 patients receiving a PNC and 381 receiving standard care. PNC use is associated with a reduction in post-operative pain (SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.58 - -0.01, p = .040, I = 54%, GRADE quality of evidence: low) and post-operative morphine requirements (SMD -0.63, 95% CI -1.03 - -0.23, p = .002, I = 75%, GRADE quality of evidence: moderate), although the effect of PNC on reduced post-operative morphine requirements is lost on sensitivity analysis of randomised trials only (p = .40). No demonstrable effect was found on in-hospital mortality, PLP, or chronic stump pain (GRADE quality of evidence: low).
CONCLUSION
PNC use in amputees is associated with a significant reduction in post-operative pain scores and post-operative morphine requirements, although this latter finding is lost on sensitivity analysis of randomised trials only.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Amputation Stumps; Analgesics, Opioid; Anesthetics, Local; Catheters; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Lower Extremity; Morphine; Pain Measurement; Pain, Postoperative; Peripheral Nerves; Phantom Limb
PubMed: 34088614
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2021.03.008 -
Medical Engineering & Physics Jan 2022A lower-limb prosthetic socket is the custom-made structural element interfacing the residual limb of a person with an amputation to their prosthetic leg comprising... (Review)
Review
A lower-limb prosthetic socket is the custom-made structural element interfacing the residual limb of a person with an amputation to their prosthetic leg comprising off-the-shelf componentry. The socket can be subject to mechanical failure, especially when new fabrication methods and materials are introduced (e.g. 3D printing). Failures can have severe consequences for patients. A systematic review was conducted to collect information about available socket mechanical testing methods, to support the definition of widely accepted guidelines. To this aim the structural testing methods were reviewed, but not the results of the individual studies. 729 records were retrieved, of which 16 articles were included. No articles addressed transfemoral socket testing, as all focused on transtibial sockets. Thirteen articles used some sort of adaptation of ISO 10328, and all of them simulated the toe-off instant of gait, with load level acceptable for patients from 100 to 125 kg of weight. Ten considered a rigid limb dummy. Overall, ISO 10328 appears as a viable starting point for defining a testing guideline, but a considerable number of details has to be agreed upon, starting from clear definitions of anatomical landmarks and socket axes, which are required to implement a representative and repeatable test method.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Amputation Stumps; Artificial Limbs; Humans; Lower Extremity; Prosthesis Design
PubMed: 35058025
DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2021.103742 -
Pain Jul 2021Residual limb pain (RLP) is associated with (partial) extremity amputations and is defined as pain felt in the remaining part of the amputated limb. A common cause of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Residual limb pain (RLP) is associated with (partial) extremity amputations and is defined as pain felt in the remaining part of the amputated limb. A common cause of RLP is neuroma formation after nerve transections. Neuromas can be very painful and severely debilitating pathologies, preventing prosthetic use, reducing quality of life, and requiring medication. Residual limb pain and symptomatic neuromas are often not properly recognized by physicians explaining the varying prevalence in the literature. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide a comprehensive overview of published literature on the prevalence of RLP and symptomatic neuroma after lower extremity amputation. Studies reporting the prevalence of RLP and symptomatic neuroma pain in patients who have had a lower extremity amputation published between 2000 and 2020 were identified in PubMed and Embase. Random-effects meta-analyses of proportions were performed to quantify the prevalence of RLP and symptomatic neuroma. Subgroups were identified and analysed. For RLP, the pooled prevalence was 59% (95% CI: 51-67). For symptomatic neuromas, the pooled prevalence was 15% (95% CI: 7-28). Residual limb pain subgroup analysis showed statistically significant higher prevalence in patients aged >50 years, follow-up >2 years, and in studies using a self-administered questionnaire for data collection. The prevalence of RLP and symptomatic neuroma in patients who have had a lower extremity amputation is 59% and 15%, respectively. Knowledge of their high prevalence may result in better awareness among physicians, in turn providing timely and adequate management.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Amputation Stumps; Humans; Lower Extremity; Neuroma; Pain; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 33470746
DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002202 -
EFORT Open Reviews Sep 2019The majority of included studies (8 out of 11, = 54) supported the concept of considering amputation for selected, unresponsive cases of complex regional pain syndrome... (Review)
Review
The majority of included studies (8 out of 11, = 54) supported the concept of considering amputation for selected, unresponsive cases of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) as a justifiable alternative to an unsuccessful multimodality nonoperative option.Of patients who underwent amputation, 66% experienced improvement in quality of life (QOL) and 37% were able to use a prosthesis, 16% had an obvious decline in QOL and for 12% of patients, no clear details were given, although it was suggested by authors that these patients also encountered deterioration after amputation.Complications of phantom limb pain, recurrence of CRPS and stump pain were predominant risks and were noticed in 65%, 45% and 30% of cases after amputation, respectively and two-thirds of patients were satisfied.Amputation can be considered by clinicians and patients as an option to improve QOL and to relieve agonizing, excruciating pain of severe, resistant CRPS at a specialized centre after multidisclipinary involvement but it must be acknowledged that evidence is limited, and the there are risks of aggravating or recurrence of CRPS, phantom pain and unpredictable consequences of rehabilitation.Amputation, if considered for resistant CRPS, should be carried out at specialist centres and after MDT involvement before and after surgery. It should only be considered if requested by patients with poor quality of life who have failed to improve after multiple treatment modalities.Further high quality and comprehensive research is needed to understand the severe form of CRPS which behaves differently form less severe stages. Cite this article: 2019;4:533-540. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.190008.
PubMed: 31598331
DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.190008 -
Rehabilitacion 2023The aim of the study was to analyze the current evidence regarding the effect of intradermal injections of botulinum toxin on residual limb hyperhidrosis. A... (Review)
Review
The aim of the study was to analyze the current evidence regarding the effect of intradermal injections of botulinum toxin on residual limb hyperhidrosis. A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE and Scopus databases from inception until December 2021 was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The search terms used were "botulinum toxins", "botulinum toxins, Type A", "rimabotulinumtoxinB", "amputees", "amputation stumps", "amputation" and "residual limbs". The specific controlled vocabulary of each database was also used (e.g., MeSH). One hundred and thirty-one different studies met this search criteria and were reviewed. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the manuscripts. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The results demonstrated an improvement in residual limb hyperhidrosis in all studies. Botulinum toxin A or B can be regarded as safe and effective for the treatment of residual limb hyperhidrosis, as well as improving prosthesis use and quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Amputation Stumps; Amputation, Surgical; Hyperhidrosis; Injections, Intradermal
PubMed: 36791670
DOI: 10.1016/j.rh.2022.07.003 -
Annals of Plastic Surgery Jan 2024Nerve capping is a method of neuroma treatment or prevention that consists of the transplantation of a proximal nerve stump into an autograft or other material cap,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/AIM OF THE STUDY
Nerve capping is a method of neuroma treatment or prevention that consists of the transplantation of a proximal nerve stump into an autograft or other material cap, after surgical removal of the neuroma or transection of the nerve. The aim was to reduce neuroma formation and symptoms by preventing neuronal adhesions and scar tissue. In this narrative literature review, we summarize the studies that have investigated the effectiveness of nerve capping for neuroma management to provide clarity and update the clinician's knowledge on the topic.
METHODS
A systematic electronic search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria was performed in the PubMed database combining "neuroma," "nerve," "capping," "conduit," "treatment," "management," "wrap," "tube," and "surgery" as search terms. English-language clinical studies on humans and animals that described nerve capping as a treatment/prevention technique for neuromas were then selected based on a full-text article review. The data from the included studies were compiled based on the technique and material used for nerve capping, and technique and outcomes were reviewed.
RESULTS
We found 10 applicable human studies from our literature search. Several capping materials were described: epineurium, nerve, muscle, collagen nerve conduit, Neurocap (synthetic copolymer of lactide and caprolactone, which is biocompatible and resorbable), silicone rubber, and collagen. Overall, 146 patients were treated in the clinical studies. After surgery, many patients were completely pain-free or had considerable improvement in pain scores, whereas some patients did not have improvement or were not satisfied after the procedure. Nerve capping was used in 18 preclinical animal studies, using a variety of capping materials including autologous tissues, silicone, and synthetic nanofibers. Preclinical studies demonstrated successful reduction in rates of neuroma formation.
CONCLUSIONS
Nerve capping has undergone major advancements since its beginnings and is now a useful option for the treatment or prevention of neuromas. As knowledge of peripheral nerve injuries and neuroma prevention grows, the criterion standard neuroprotective material for enhancement of nerve regeneration can be identified and applied to produce reliable surgical outcomes.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Amputation Stumps; Collagen; Neuroma; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Peripheral Nerves
PubMed: 37962245
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003714 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2024During the 1970s, scientists first used botulinum toxin to treat strabismus. While testing on monkeys, they noticed that the toxin could also reduce wrinkles in the... (Review)
Review
During the 1970s, scientists first used botulinum toxin to treat strabismus. While testing on monkeys, they noticed that the toxin could also reduce wrinkles in the glabella area. This led to its widespread use in both medical and cosmetic fields. The objective of the study was to evaluate the potential use of Botox in managing post-operative contracture after below-knee amputation. We conducted a systematic review In Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar using the MESH terms Botox, botulinum toxin, post-operative contracture, amputation, and below knee amputation. Our goal was to evaluate the potential use of Botox to manage post-operative contracture in patients who have undergone below-knee amputation. Our findings show evidence in the literature that Botox can effectively manage stump hyperhidrosis, phantom pain, and jumping stump, but no clinical trial has been found that discusses the use of Botox for post-operative contracture. Botox has been used in different ways to manage spasticity. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to support the use of Botox to manage this complication.
Topics: Humans; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Amputation, Surgical; Contracture; Amputation Stumps; Muscle Spasticity; Joint Dislocations; Neuromuscular Agents
PubMed: 38558551
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.26.42249