Prevalence of secondary prosthesis use in lower limb prosthesis users.
Cody L McDonald, Alison Kahn, Brian J Hafner and 1 others
PMID 36843538WHAT IT FOUND
Most lower limb prosthesis users do not have a secondary device.
Those who do are typically younger, male, veterans, and report higher mobility. Back-up and sports prostheses are the most common types. The findings suggest significant gaps in access to these devices for many patients.
Key findings
0165.8% of participants reported not using any type of secondary prosthesis.
02Back-up and sport/recreation prostheses were used by 19.2% and 13.5% of the sample respectively, while showering/bathing prostheses were used by 6.3%.
03Secondary prosthesis users were significantly younger, more likely to be men and veterans, and had higher self-reported mobility scores than non-users.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
Read the rest of this summary
You get three full summaries a month, free, and we do not ask for a card. Search, the TL;DRs and your library stay unlimited either way.
What it does not show
The study is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data, so it cannot determine if having a secondary prosthesis causes better mobility or if more mobile people are more likely to acquire them. Participants reported use of secondary prostheses, not ownership, so the condition or specific type of device is unknown. The survey did not collect data on insurance coverage, income, or the reasons for non-use, limiting conclusions about financial barriers. The sample was recruited from specific prior studies, which may not represent the broader population of lower limb prosthesis users.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that patients who do not use a secondary prosthesis have chosen not to. The data suggests that access is limited, particularly for women, veterans outside the VA system, and those with lower socioeconomic status. A null finding on secondary use may reflect a barrier to care rather than a lack of need.