C-Leg® improves function and quality of life in an adolescent traumatic trans-femoral amputee: a case study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: (1) To demonstrate that a 13-year-old male can be successfully fitted with a C-Leg® microprocessor-controlled knee. (2) To use validated outcome measurement tools to assess change in mobility, physical function, fatigue and quality of life after fitting. CASE DESCRIPTION AND METHODS: A 13-year-old unilateral traumatic trans-femoral amputee was studied pre-C-Leg fitting and 2 weeks and 10 months post C-Leg fitting. FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES: The 6-Minute Walk Test improved by 33% from 360 to 480 m. PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale improved by 32% from 68 to 90, and PedsQL™ Quality of Life Scale improved 14 points, with minimal clinically important difference of 4.36 points.
CONCLUSION: In this case, the provision of a microprocessor-controlled knee in the context of a new prosthesis with new socket system produced improvements for the patient in walking speed, fatigue and quality of life. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case report shows that n = 1 methodology can be used to demonstrate clinical improvement in an adolescent subject when using an intervention (C-Leg) which is not supported in this age group by published evidence. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2013.