Dermatologic Problems in Veterans With Lower Limb Loss: Prevalence and the Effect of Multidisciplinary Care

Prosthesis utilization after lower extremity amputations may supplement functionality and users’ health. The interface between the residual limb and the prosthetic socket can lead to skin problems due to heat, moisture, friction, and pressure. U.S. veterans, prone to amputation and skin disorders due to service-related injury or other comorbidities, represent a high-risk group. This study sought to characterize skin conditions in U.S. military veterans with lower-extremity amputations. A retrospective cohort study analyzed records from the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. Inclusion criteria for this study included a lower-extremity amputation and prior prosthesis-related therapy. Exclusion criteria included an inability to use prostheses. Statistical analyses, including Chi-Square Goodness of Fit and point-biserial correlations, were used to examine associations and trends. Of the 488 participants and 2406 records, 27.4% and 17.6%, respectively, reported skin problems during clinic visits, which was significantly lower than previously reported results. Participants with unilateral foot amputations demonstrated a statistically higher frequency of skin problems compared to those with more proximal amputations. Veterans’ skin issue rates were lower than hypothesized, possibly attributed to multidisciplinary care. Unilateral foot amputations experienced more skin problems, likely due to diabetes and vascular disease. The study emphasizes the value of multidisciplinary care in reducing skin complications and underscores the need for proactive skin management after amputation. Future research should examine factors associated with prosthesis utilization and the outcomes of multidisciplinary, integrated care models.