The Assessment of Talar Cartilage in Patients With Unilateral Traumatic Transtibial Amputation

The Assessment of Talar Cartilage, Tibialis Antetior and Gastrocnemius Muscles in Patients With Unilateral Traumatic Transtibial Amputation: a Clinical and Sonographic-controlled Study

Increased risk of osteoarthritis (OA) has been previously demonstrated in patients with lower limb amputation. Although there are many studies on knee joint of intact limb of amputees in the literature, the number of studies on intact foot and ankle is extremely limited. The primary aim of the study is to compare the intact talar cartilage, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle thickness measurements of traumatic unilateral transtibial amputee patients with that of healthy individuals using ultrasound. The secondary aim is to investigate the relationship between cartilage and muscle thickness measurements with clinical parameters.

Methods: A total of 36 patients with unilateral transtibial amputations and 36 age and body mass index (BMI)-matched male controls will be participated in this cross-sectional study. Functional performance will be assessed by 6-minute walking distance (in meter). The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) will be used for the assessment of the symptoms and the functional limitations of the foot and ankle. The health-related quality of life of the subjects will be evaluated with Short Form-36 (SF-36). Subjects' talar cartilage, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle thickness measurements will be performed using musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients between the ages of 18-65
• Patients who have been followed up for at least 3 months with the diagnosis of unilateral transtibial amputation
• Patients who have been using prostheses for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bilateral amputation
• Previous history of any trauma/surgical history of the lower extremities (other than amputation)
• Rheumatic diseases
• Contracture of the knee and the ankle of the intact limb