Patient-Reported Outcomes Favor Below-Knee Over Above-Knee Amputation in Patients With Nontraumatic Lower Extremity Wounds
Summary: Cross-sectional study (n=96 nontraumatic chronic LE wound patients post-amputation: 74 BKA, 22 AKA) compared PROMs. BKA showed lower psychological distress (SRQ-20 3.1 vs 5.6, p=0.002), lower pain (PROMIS-3a 48.2 vs 58.9, p=0.001), higher function (LEFS 47.4 vs 33.9, p=0.003). BKA preserved knee, enabled better prosthesis/ambulation; higher TMR rates. Prior psychiatric diagnoses higher in AKA but not significant covariate. Supports prioritizing BKA when feasible for QoL/mobility.
Key Highlights:
- Distress: BKA lower (p=0.002); pain lower (p=0.001).
- Function: LEFS higher BKA (p=0.003); knee preservation key.
- TMR: 66% BKA vs 18% AKA.
- Limitations: Cross-sectional, small AKA sample.
- Authors: Steven Tohmasi et al.
Keywords: BKA, AKA, PROs, QoL, amputation, Steven Tohmasi