Investigating Outcomes of Lower Limb Trauma

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This is an observational study, which aims to firstly develop a sensor-based objective mobility assessment. This will then be used to profile and compare the outcomes of patients who undergo amputation with those who have limb salvage surgery following a traumatic injury to their lower limb.

Detailed Description
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In the setting of severe trauma, the decision whether to amputate or save a limb is common, and extremely difficult to make. Due to improving reconstructive surgical techniques there are currently no clear criteria for amputation. Although limb salvage appears desirable in most situations, numerous articles in the scientific literature have shown that it is associated with increased pain, complications, duration of hospital stay, rehabilitation time, and overall costs. These factors may be acceptable if the patients benefited from improved functional outcome. However, studies comparing amputation to limb salvage consistently report no significant difference in functional outcome between the two groups. A major limitation in the methodology of the fore mentioned studies is the use of self-reported questionnaires to determine functional outcome. Questionnaires are subjective, and often lack specificity, and therefore may not be truly representative of functional outcome. Furthermore, lack of useful information during long-term post-operative care prevents adaption and optimisation of rehabilitation strategies. The investigators plan on using a wearable sensor to develop an objective mobility assessment tool for patients having either amputation or limb salvage surgery after lower limb trauma. This would result in a reliable and accurate comparison, which may help healthcare professionals make an informed decision between amputation and limb salvage in the future.

Official Title
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Investigating the Outcomes of Lower-limb Trauma Patients

Conditions
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Trauma

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: To have sustained a lower-limb trauma and undergone limb salvage surgery OR amputation with fitting of prosthesis Exclusion Criteria: Contralateral (or other) limb impairment 18 > AGE > 65 Currently a hospital inpatient Psychological disorder

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Reconstruction<br>Those who have undergone limb reconstruction following lower limb trauma | |
| Healthy volunteers<br>Healthy volunteers for control | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Functional Outcome (Consisting of Questionnaire Score, Hamlyn Mobility Score (HMS) Gait/Activities of Daily Living Parameters) | The Hamlyn Mobility Score is a measure of functional mobility as measured by a wearable sensors during simple physical activities. The score range is from 0 - 60, with 60 being the best score possible and represents normal physical function of a healthy adult. | 3 months post-reconstruction | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Participant Length of Hospital Stay | These measurements refer to the participants healthcare journey (which are not affected by the research project). Hospital stay refers to the time around their lower limb trauma and any further admissions. | Up to length of study (1-2 years) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Trauma, Limb reconstruction, Amputation, Functional outcome, Sensing