Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) and conventional bandaging (CB) on the postamputation edema of geriatric transtibial amputees.
Material and Methods: Eleven geriatric transtibial amputees were included in the study. Randomized controlled study started on the first postoperative day with the amputees who are appropriate for CB and CDP. Before and after application, all the participants underwent circumferential assessments both amputated and intact side in each session. The period between the first session and the last session (transition to permanent prostheses) were recorded in days. The hospitalization period of the cases were also recorded.
Results: There was not any significant difference between the groups when the duration of stay at the hospital was evaluated (P > 0.05). The period of transition to permanent prostheses was found to be shorter in CDP group (P < 0.05). When the first and last session values of both groups were analyzed, significant differences were determined (P < 0.05). The difference between the last circumferential measurements of the stump was observed to be more obvious in the CDP group than in the CB group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: To conclude, it can be postulated that CDP could be preferred in the treatment of postamputation stump edema to shape the stump effectively, which is the basic cardinal requirement of prosthetic fitting after surgery.