Determination of Localized Skin Temperature of the Transtibial Residual Limb

Abstract

Background: Interventions to resolve thermal discomfort as a common complaint in amputees, are usually chosen based on the residual limb skin temperature while wearing prosthesis; whereas, less attention was paid to residual limb skin temperature while outside of the prosthesis. The objective of this study was to explore the localized and regional skin temperature over the transtibial residual limb (TRL) while outside of the prosthesis.Methods: Eight unilateral transtibial amputees were enrolled in this cross sectional study. Participants sat on a chair and rested for 30 minutes while their prosthesis was removed. Twelve sites were marked in four columns (anterolateral, anteromedial, posteromedial, and posterolateral) and three rows (proximal, middle, and distal) over the residual limb and used for attachment of analog thermistors. Skin temperature was recorded and compared during 11 minutes. Furthermore, the relationship of skin temperature with participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics were explored.Results: The middle and distal zones of the anteromedial column had the highest and lowest skin temperatures (29.8 and 26.3°C, p<0.05), respectively. The average temperature of the TRL was 27.73±0.83°C and had no significant relationships (p>0.05) with participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics.Conclusions: An unequal distribution of temperature over the TRL was found with significantly higher and lower temperatures at its anterior column and distal row, respectively. This temperature pattern should be considered for thermoregulation strategies. Further investigation of the residual limb temperature while considering muscles thickness and blood perfusion rate are warranted with and without prosthesis.