Physical function and health-related quality of life in young adults with unilateral congenital lower-limb deficiencies

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to examine if there were differences in physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between young adults (18 to 35 years) with unilateral congenital lower-limb deficiency (CLLD) who had been surgically lengthened (Surg) and those using lengthening prostheses (Pros). Second, we wanted to compare their health status with an age- and gender-matched reference group (Ref) without CLLD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including a study-specific questionnaire, clinical examination, two field tests evaluating physical function (the six-minute walk test and the Stair test) and HRQoL questionnaires (Short Form (SF)-36 and EuroQol (EQ)-5D-3L). RESULTS: Physical function and HRQoL did not differ between the two treatment groups. The odds for having painful or disfiguring scars were 18 times higher in the Surg group (n = 16) compared with the Pros group (n = 14). The CLLD group showed significantly reduced physical function compared with the Ref group. HRQoL, measured by the EQ-5D-3L visual rating scale, was significantly reduced in the CLLD group compared with the Ref group, as was the SF-36 physical function domain in both genders. Men with CLLD also showed increased bodily pain and reduced general health (SF-36), while we found a reduction in the emotional role domain in women compared with Ref. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in physical function and quality of life in young adults with CLLD treated with surgical lengthening compared with those using lengthening prostheses. Compared with the general Norwegian population, young adults with CLLD had significantly lower physical function and reduced HRQoL in some domains.