Functional outcome of hip disarticulation and hemipelvectomy: a cross-sectional national descriptive study in the Netherlands

Abstract

Objective: To describe characteristics of hip disarticulation and hemipelvectomy amputees, to assess their level of activities, participation and experienced limitations in mobility and to describe the amputation-related problems. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Patients were mainly recruited via orthopaedic workshops in the Netherlands. Subjects: Forty-six patients with an acquired unilateral hip disarticulation or hemipelvectomy at least one year post amputation. Main outcome measures: Sickness Impact Profile 68 (SIP 68) to assess the level of activity and participation and the questionnaire Rising and Sitting Down, Walking and Climbing Stairs to assess perceived limitations in mobility. Results: The 46 patients (31 with hip disarticulation and 15 with hemipelvectomy) had a mean age of 55.8 years (SD 12.1). In 78% of cases the reason for amputation was a tumour. Mean SIP 68 was low, 10.5 (SD 6.9). Hip disarticulation amputees had significantly poorer emotional stability than the hemipelvectomy amputees (P = 0.04). All amputees experienced considerable limitations in their mobility according to the Rising and Sitting Down, Walking and Climbing Stairs scores. Conclusions: Hip disarticulation and hemipelvectomy amputees have a relatively high level of activity and participation (SIP scores) but at the same time experience limitations in walking, rising and sitting down and climbing stairs.