title: Rehabilitation after arterial reconstruction of the lower limbs. A four to six years follow-up study.
abstract: The social fate of 105 patients was followed 4 to 6 years after arterial reconstruction of the arteries of the lower limbs. At the time of operation half of the patients had ischemic symptoms at rest. None died, and none were amputated as a result of the arterial reconstruction. In 84 per cent the operation aimed at restoring the working-capacity including the ability to do housework. In 11 per cent the aim was preservation of personal independence. Five per cent had non-disabling claudication. In 60 per cent the working-capacity was restored, and only 5 per cent were confined to nursing care. At the end of the follow-up period 74 per cent of the patients were alive, and of these 50 per cent had retained their working-capacity. Forty-five per cent were personal independent pensioners and 5 per cent were confined to nursing care. The majority of senescent patients, threatened by amputation of the lower limbs, will retain their personal independence after arterial reconstruction. The socioeconomic importance of this fact is stressed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors