Can Prosthetic Knee Type Enhance Your Quality of Life?
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When it comes to efficacy, microprocessor prosthetic knees are markedly superior to mechanical prosthetic knees. However, many prosthetic users still prefer mechanical knees over microprocessor ones. While this is partly due to insurance policies, user preference also plays a role. If you’re deciding whether to get a microprocessor knee or a mechanical knee, this study might help you decide.
The study
A recent retrospective study published in Prosthetics and Orthotics International compared the quality of life and satisfaction levels of microprocessor knee users and users of mechanical knees. The study was conducted on 75 microprocessor knee users and 60 mechanical knee users.
The researchers determined users’ quality of life through the EuroQoL Five Dimensions and the EuroQoL Visual Analog Scale questionnaires. Both questionnaires assessed five dimensions—mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain or discomfort, and anxiety or depression.
Meanwhile, the study participants’ satisfaction levels were assessed using the Satisfaction with Prosthesis questionnaire.
Results
The researchers found that the difference in satisfaction between users of microprocessor knees, which use advanced technology to adjust settings based on user movements, and mechanical knees, which operate without electronic components, was not statistically significant. However, they observed a significant difference in quality of life.
In an analysis evaluating multiple variables, the researchers found three significant predictors of quality of life and satisfaction: knee type, age at the time of receiving one’s first prosthesis (younger age), and experience with prostheses.
The type of knee and age at first prosthesis were key predictors of quality of life scores. And satisfaction with the prosthesis was influenced by age at first prosthesis and experience with the prosthesis.
The study concluded that microprocessor knees impact quality of life but not satisfaction, as satisfaction is influenced by patient experience and age at the time of the first prosthesis.
Caveats
While the results of this study can provide insight into the quality of life and prosthesis satisfaction, it’s also important to note that the study participants’ answers were self-reported, which could introduce biases based on individual perceptions and interpretations.
Other potential variables, such as comorbidities, activity levels, psychological well-being, and technological advancements in prosthetic devices, could have affected how the researchers understood patient experiences with the two prosthetic knee types.
The bottom line
Although the caveats must be considered, this study could still help prosthetic users and healthcare providers understand the physical implications, as well as the psychological and societal dimensions surrounding prosthetic limb use.
This could also lead to further research into optimizing designs to enhance users’ overall quality of life.
