Amputations: no longer the end of the road.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the effect of an intensive in-patient rehabilitation programme upon the mobility of amputees.

METHODS

All major lower limb amputations between 1997 and 1999 received a pre-operative mobility assessment and, where appropriate, were referred for a vigorous rehabilitation programme.

RESULTS

92 lower limb amputations were performed in 87 patients (57 below knee, 33 above knee, two hip disarticulations). Overall, 63% of patients were able to ambulate independently following rehabilitation. Univariate analysis revealed that the only predictor of mobility was the level of amputation, below knee gaining better mobility than above knee (p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

Lower limb amputees should participate in an aggressive in-patient physiotherapy regimen since reasonable mobility can be achieved in the majority of patients.