Economic Evaluation of Lower Limb Prostheses for Persons With a Knee-disarticulation or Transfemoral Amputation

Economic Evaluation of Lower Limb Prostheses in the Netherlands Including the Cost-effectiveness of Non-microprocessor Controlled Knees Versus Microprocessor Controlled Knees

The goal of this retrospective questionnaire study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of non-microprocessor controlled prosthetic knees (NMPK) versus microprocessor controlled prosthetic knees (MPK) in persons with a knee-disarticulation or transfemoral amputation. The main aims are:

• to provide an overview of the costs, health-related quality of life, and user experiences associated with the use of different types of prosthetic knees.
• to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the NMPK compared to the MPK for adult prosthesis users.

Participants will fill out three questionnaires about (1) their medical consumption and productivity costs; (2) health-related quality of life; (3) utility, ambulation and well-being.

Researchers will compare the persons with a NMPK to the persons with an MPK to investigate the cost-efficiency of both types of knees.

A transfemoral amputation or knee disarticulation can have a negative influence on a person's daily activities, participation, and other aspects of daily life. In previous studies it has been suggested that the use of a microprocessor-controlled knee (MPK) can help increase functional mobility, decrease falls and stumbles and improve quality of life. Although there is a hefty cost associated with this type of knee, it is not certain this outweighs the potential gains.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least one year post amputation
• Able to read and write in Dutch
• Use a prosthesis with socket

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bilateral amputation
• Osseointegration