Relationship of stump length with muscle strength, proprioception, and balance in patients with traumatic unilateral transfemoral amputation.

Background: Many factors affect the rehabilitation of lower limb amputation. One of these factors is the length of the stump.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of stump length with muscle strength, proprioception, and balance in patients with traumatic unilateral transfemoral amputation.

Study design: Sixteen patients with traumatic unilateral transfemoral amputation were included in this cross-sectional study.

Methods: Stump length was determined by measuring the distance from the trochanter major to the tip of the stump. Hip extensor and flexor muscle strength on the amputated side was determined using the computer-assisted isokinetic system. The proprioceptive sensation of the lower extremities was measured at hip flexion with computer-assisted isokinetic system. Balance of the patients was determined using the Berg Balance Scale.

Results: There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the stump length and proprioception measurements (r = -0.508, p = 0.044). There was also a statistically significant correlation between Berg Balance Scale and the flexion total work value at 60° angular velocity (r = 0.541, p = 0.03). There was no significant correlation between stump length and other muscle strength, proprioception, and balance parameters.

Conclusions: A relationship was found between stump length and proprioception, and balance and hip flexor muscle strength in patients with traumatic unilateral transfemoral amputation. In elective lower limb amputations, the level of amputation should be determined at the most functional level with the longest possible stump.