Physical Function Outcomes in Patients with Lower-Limb Amputations Due to Trauma: A Systematic Review.

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Introduction: Lower-limb amputation (LLA) due to trauma is a life-changing medical event that challenges daily physical functioning. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the physical function outcomes in patients with major traumatic LLA. Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed for the review methodology. Observational studies on physical function outcomes post major traumatic LLA, with sample sizes of at least 10 adults in an outpatient setting and published in English were included. The Downs and Black scale was used to assess methodological quality and articles were assigned a level of evidence. Results: The initial search retrieved 4626 articles, and 69 met the inclusion criteria. On average, papers had poor methodological quality. The traumatic LLA population was found to have numerous mobility challenges and reduced physical fitness, with unilateral transtibial amputation resulting in the best outcomes. There was a lack of literature on female populations, civilians, and patients from low- and middle-income countries. Conclusions: Given the changes in mobility and physical health, multidisciplinary care teams are essential to manage traumatic LLA individuals' rehabilitation programs and health. Higher-quality research is needed to support evidence-based clinical recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]