Assessment of functional limitations caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans infection: towards a Buruli ulcer functional limitation score

Trop Med Int Health. 2003 Jan;8(1):90-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3156.2003.00976.x.

Abstract

The purpose of this study of treated Buruli ulcer patients in Ghana was to identify and assess late sequelae of treated Buruli ulcer using a goniometer, and to develop a scoring system for functional limitations. Of 78 patients, 58% (n = 45) had a reduction in the range of motion of one or more joints: 30% (n = 23) had one or more functional limitations of the leg and 21% (n = 16) of the arm; 49% (n = 38) had a functional limitation. Of all patients with affected knees, the predicted average extent of limitation was 63%. In patients with affected ankles, limitation was 78% on average; in those with elbow involvement, this was 76% on average, and in wrists involved, 65%. All of the hands involved were markedly restricted. We propose a simplified and functional scoring system that should be tested for validation in a second patient sample, and, if properly validated and adjusted, can be used in future intervention trials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Disability Evaluation
  • Disabled Persons
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / microbiology
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / physiopathology*
  • Mycobacterium ulcerans*
  • Prognosis
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Skin Ulcer / microbiology*
  • Skin Ulcer / physiopathology
  • Tuberculosis, Cutaneous / microbiology
  • Tuberculosis, Cutaneous / physiopathology*