title: Rehabilitation of lower limb amputees and some implications for surgical management.
abstract: Aspects of peri-operative management, amputation level and rehabilitation of the lower limb amputee are reported in the context of a review of a rehabilitation service for amputees which includes an integrated prosthetic service. Two hundred admissions were reviewed and some complex cases described. It is concluded that: a very close liaison between the surgeon and the rehabilitation team (ideally with preoperative consultation) is in the patient's best interests; any person previously walking (or a potential walker) should be considered for a trial of prosthetic walking; an integrated prosthetic service enhances the efficiency of the rehabilitation service; and that modification of the current Artificial Limb Scheme to allow manufacture of first definitive limbs in prosthetic rehabilitation units would further enhance service to patients.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Unit, North West Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Penington
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Warmington
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hull
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Freijah
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000672:Amputation Stumps; D000842:Ankle / Q000601:surgery; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000601:surgery; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing