[Functional assessment scales and lower limb amputation]

Abstract

Introduction: This paper is a review of the literature on assessment tools in lower limb amputees.

Material and methods: The authors have research on Medline(R) data base the different tools with keys words "lower limb amputee or amputation, functional evaluation or outcome assessment tools, activity of daily living", and have completed the research with the references of papers.

Results: A comprehensive approach of the consequences of an amputation and of the outcome of prosthetic care should include an evaluation of gait, use of the prosthesis in activities of daily life, acceptability and satisfaction with the device.

Discussion: Functional assessment tools that are validated are recent, and most of them were developed in English. They take into account the use and the acceptance of the device, but there is no study using them for an important sample population.

Conclusion: It is now necessary to translate the recent tools into French, and to confirm their validity and sensitivity to change.