Bone mineral density loss after combat-related lower extremity amputation.

OBJECTIVES:: Determine the incidence, severity, and associated risk factors for the development of low bone mineral density (BMD) following combat-related lower extremity amputation. DESIGN:: Retrospective, case-control comparison SETTING:: Tertiary care military treatment facility PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS:: One hundred fifty-six lower extremity amputees, representing 182 amputations (121 unilateral, 35 bilateral). INTERVENTION:: All patients underwent dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning during the treatment period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:: Z-score was the main outcome measure. We identified all patients with low BMD (Z Language: en