Understanding the Relationship Between Patient-Reported Function and Actual Function in the Upper Limb Prosthesis User Population: A Preliminary Study

Deficient gait function despite effect index of the Western Ontario and McMaster university osteoarthritis index score considered cured one year after bilateral total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

To clarify the value of gait analysis and its consistency with traditional scoring scales for the evaluation of knee joint function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

This study included 25 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) who underwent bilateral TKA, and 25 conditionally matched healthy individuals, categorised into the experimental and control groups, respectively. Patients in the experimental group underwent gait analysis and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) evaluation before and 1 year after TKA. Weight-bearing balance and walking stability were assessed using discrete trends of relevant gait indicators. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed on the gait and WOMAC score data of the experimental group before and after TKA.

RESULTS

One year after TKA, patients' gait indices (except gait cycle) were significantly better than before surgery, but significantly worse than that of the control group (P < 0.01). The shape of patients' plantar pressure curves did not return to normal. Additionally, the discrete trend of related gait indicators reflecting weight-bearing balance and walking stability were smaller than before TKA, but still greater than that of the control group. The WOMAC scores of patients 1 year after TKA were significantly lower than those before TKA (P < 0.001), and the efficacy index was > 80%. The WOMAC scores and gait analysis results were significantly correlated before TKA (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Gait analysis should be used in conjunction with scoring scales to assess joint functions.

Advances in Upper Extremity Prosthetic Technology: Rehabilitation and the Interprofessional Team

Purpose of Review

The aim of this paper is to explore current trends and advancements that lead to improved practitioner knowledge and patient care resulting in better outcomes. It is common for the physiatrist to lead the team of interprofessional practitioners in the care of individuals with upper limb absence. The focus of the care is to understand and access prosthetic options, but there are often other health factors and relevant issues to consider.

Recent Findings

Some of the latest updates offer solutions to pain management, prosthetic control, access to relevant evidence, and outcomes-related data. An interesting finding was the influence of telehealth service delivery on multiple issues faced by this population. These issues include lack of information, pain management, monitoring skin breakdown and peripheral vascular disease, prosthetic training, and access to peers and specialized practitioners.

Summary

The diverse technology advancements in surgical techniques, materials, outcome measures, and data management, as well as telehealth, work together to assist the collaborative interprofessional team to provide contemporary and comprehensive care to this unique population.