RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Limb amputations are responsible for disability. We studied the outcomes of lower limb amputees in our daily practice. METHODS: This prospective analytical study over 7 years (January 2009-December 2015) included 70 amputees of lower limb. They were mainly male (73%), aged on average of 42.4 ± 18.8 years. The mean time of follow- up was 3.2 ± 1.9 years. We assessed disability on balance, walking, disability in daily life for patients with prosthesis, and the socio-economic impact of the amputation. Statistical analysis was performed with Chi2 and Mann-Whitney tests; a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The average Timed Up and Go Test was 18.5 s. Class II of Pohjolainen subjects were the most recovered (37%). The mean Houghton score in the 17 fitted patients was 6.2 ± 2.0. Socially, 90% of the patients no longer practiced leisure activities, and 4/53 patients were no longer in a couple. At the economic level, 87% of patients had a decreased monthly income. Factors that bear direct correlation to functional outcome of patients were the level of amputation, and the prosthesis fitting. CONCLUSION: Lower limbs amputations entail adverse consequences at the functional and socio-economic level. Our country must review its policy on prosthetic fittings for amputees, and vote laws that involve private firms and government in socio-economic reintegration, and empowerment of these subjects.
RESUMO
Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a very rare malignant and aggressive tumor that can involve the maxillary sinus. We report the case of a 46 y/o male who presented a tumor of the right maxillary sinus with extension to the right nasal cavity. The diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma was set by histology and immunohistochemistry. The patient received concomitant cisplatin based chemoradiotherapy with no response after 3 months of treatment. He died 6 months later. Through the present case and the review of literature we discuss all aspects of this entity: clinical presentation, differential diagnoses, pathology, treatment and prognosis.
