[Amputation of the leg with impaired circulation. The orthopaedic surgeon's view].

Despite therapeutic improvements in the treatment of arterial circulatory problems of the leg, several tens of thousands of amputations are performed every year. The amputation is not the end of the treatment but is the beginning of the rehabilitation. Decisive criteria for a successful rehabilitation are the quality of the leg-stump, the immediate and early care, and an adequate artificial leg.