Clinical evaluation and treatment of stumps in amputees injured in Wenchuan earthquake / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the feature and cause of stumps of amputees after Wenchuan earthquake,and study the effects of rehabilitation treatment for stumps.Methods Fifty-two cases with stump limbs post-amputation were evaluated,including stump skin status,stump shape,stump length,stump swelling,range of motion (ROM)of joint and strength of stump,and were treated with physical therapy,stump moulding and kinesiotherapy.Results The incidences of stump ulcer,stump swelling,conical stump,short stump and limitation of ROM of joint in all 52 cases were 76%,73%,34%,40%and 42%respectively.After rehabilitation treatment stump ulcers healed,stump swelling eliminated;stump shape,ROM of joint and muscle strength improved obviously.All poor stumps could be fit with the prosthetic limb and get good function.Conclusion The incidences of poor stump limb post·amputation after earthquake were high.Rehabilitation treatment can improve the stump condition.Early comprehensive rehabilitative intervention after amputation is important for fitting the prosthetic limb tO the stump.