The Effects of Ankle Turner Unit on the Quality of Life of Unilateral Below Knee Amputees

Background: Unilateral below knee amputation is a permanent surgical procedure that can influence the quality of life (QOL) of the person with amputation. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of ankle turner unit on the quality of life of unilateral below knee amputees. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of twenty unilateral below-knee amputee patients were selected by simple random sampling. Quality of life of subjects was assessed with Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES) questionnaire baseline and after 30 minute of using the unit. The participants were evaluated by five major criteria including: total TAPES score, conformity of movement restrictions, level of athletic activities, level of daily routine activities, and social activities, which were part of the TAPES survey. Results: In this study, 20 below-knee amputee male patients with average age of 47.7 years participated. Total index of TAPES with P = 0.01, matching of athletic restrictions with P = 0.04, athletic activity level with P = 0.006, and social activity level with P = 0.04 showed a significant difference compared to before using the unit. The difference in the level of daily routine activities, despite 5.15% increase in respect to before using the unit, was not significant (P = 0.2). Conclusions: The results implied that this unit can effectively improve the quality of life in amputees. In a detailed review of the study, it was proven that his unit resulted in an increase of the conformity with restrictions, and reduction of restrictions in athletic and social activities while it did not provide a positive effect on functional restrictions. Keywords: Ankle Turner Prosthesis; Quality of Life; Limb Loss; Below-Knee Prosthesis