Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

6 p.

Publication Date

1-1998

Publisher

Veterans Administration

Source Publication

Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development

Source ISSN

0748-7711

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the sensory changes in adults with unilateral transtibial amputation

(TTA), as any loss of sensation may have significant impact on the successful use of a prosthesis. Sensory modalities of light touch, deep pressure, vibration, and superficial pain (pinprick) were examined on the residual and contralateral limbs of 16 veterans with TTA. Six subjects demonstrated normal sensation on the contralateral limb and impaired sensation of superficial pain, vibration, and/or light touch on the residual limb. Superficial pain was the most frequently impaired sensation, and vibration and superficial pain sensation appeared to be age-dependent, with increased impairment observed in the elderly. Deep pressure sensation was intact in all subjects. These preliminary data suggest that although neither the amputation nor the prosthetic rehabilitation resulted in impaired deep pressure sensation, these two factors contributed to minimal impairment of light touch and vibration, and significant impairment of the superficial pain sensation.

Comments

Published version. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 35, No. 1 (January 1998): 85-90. Permalink.

This material is declared a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

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