The amputees and quality of life.

The application of highly sophisticated computer technology and high technology materials allows production of quality prosthetic replacements both in the functional and esthetic sense. The basic prerequisite for successful use of prostheses is an adequately shaped stump, which can be achieved using new operative technique used for extremity amputation. In this way, the possibilities of prosthetic device usage are enlarged to fulfill not only basic daily needs but also highly active work-related, sports-related or recreational needs of the modern man. However, the adequate and successfully performed operative procedure and the implementation of a quality prosthetic device do not guarantee that all patient requirements for improved quality of life are fulfilled. The aim of this study was to examine therapeutic effects of the applied method of surgical and prosthetic treatment, with a special focus on the improvement of patient's quality of life. The research was conducted in a sample of healthy and active patients with trauma-related lower extremity amputation. Following a positive objective evaluation by the physician, who stated that surgical and prosthetic treatment was satisfactory, the subjective evaluation was performed by the patient using a specially designed questionnaire. The factors possibly influencing the overall satisfaction of the patient with therapy were analyzed. The satisfaction with prosthesis function was evaluated as very good by 63.5% of the patients, excellent by 9.6% and good by 26.9% of the patients.