Analysis of the current use of lower-extremity prostheses in Japan : A survey of prescriptions issued by rehabilitation counseling centers for amputees

Abstract

We analyzed the current state of use of lower-extremity prostheses across Japan by surveying new prosthesis prescriptions issued by the rehabilitation counseling centers for amputees. In total, 1,693 new prescriptions were made in 2010. Below-knee prostheses were the most frequent (1,025 items. 68.8% of patients), followed by above-knee prostheses (336, 22.0%). The male : female ratio was 3.2 : 1, and the mean patient age was 61.5±15.1 years. Among the patients investigated, 251 were employed (14.8%), whereas 901 were unemployed (53.2%), and the status of 541 was unknown (32.0%). Activity levels were high in 304 patients (18.0%), moderate in 556 patients (32.8%), low in 388 patients (22.9%), and unknown in 445 (26.3%). The prescribed-prosthesis prices correlated with patient age ; prostheses prescribed for the elderly were cheaper (p<0.01, R=-0.475). Expensive prostheses were prescribed for jobholders, who showed higher levels of activity (p<0.01). Our results suggest that prescriptions for lower-extremity prostheses correspond with amputee sociodemographic profiles.