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News Releases - 2008
February 20, 2008
Losing Both Legs Yet Still Walking
Study Shows Double Amputees
Remain Independent and Walking for Years
Toronto (February 20, 2008) – Most patients who lose both legs below the knee and are referred for rehabilitation services regain their ability to walk using prosthetic limbs, remaining mobile and independent for years, according to a new study being published in the March issue of the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Researchers at West Park Healthcare Centre in west Toronto followed up on the cases of 82 double-leg amputees admitted to the hospital for rehabilitation between 1998 and 2003. Of these former patients who had lost their legs below the knee due to complications from diabetes or peripheral vascular disease,
• 45 per cent were still alive
• 39 per cent were deceased (most frequently from heart attack)
• 16 per cent were status unknown
Thirty-four of the former patients agreed to be interviewed, at a mean time of 3.3 years after their discharge from rehabilitation. Of those patients, 85 per cent were still wearing their prosthesis and walking on a daily basis. The researchers were also able to examine more than half the deceased cases and determined that 72 per cent of those patients were still walking before their death.
“This study shows that people living with chronic diseases such as diabetes can overcome serious conditions like amputation and learn to live well,” said Dr. Heather Mac Neill, a physiatrist now working at Bridgepoint Health and lead author of the study. “It clearly shows that these patients not only do well in rehabilitation, but they learn to thrive as they continue their care journey.”
Most of the patients were independent in their activities of daily living, such as dressing (94 per cent), toileting (100 per cent) and bathing (61 per cent). Almost all were living in a home or apartment, and a third were living alone.
“New research like this is really an investment in people who still have a lot to contribute to society,” said Dr. Michael Devlin, a physiatrist at West Park Healthcare Centre and the study’s senior author. “The payoff is a higher quality of life for these patients, who also serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.”
The study, which was co-authored by Tim Pauley and Dr. Alexandra Yudin, also found that the most commonly used mobility aid indoors was one or two canes, and a walker if outdoors.
West Park Healthcare Centre provides specialized rehabilitation, complex continuing care and long term care services, helping people overcome their health barriers to live the fullest lives possible after the onset of an illness or injury. The Centre is also recognized internationally for its expertise and research in respiratory medicine, particularly for its care for people with tuberculosis, and its rehabilitation services for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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