[Prosthetic and wheelchair management of elderly patients following above the knee amputation--a decision at the acute hospital].
Following above-knee amputation in aged persons, rehabilitative measures have to be initiated already by the acute-care clinic, inter alia because lack of movement fosters physical and mental decline. Energy consumption in walking with an above-knee prosthesis moreover is considerably higher than in the non-amputated. The rehabilitation counsellor is called upon to determine the most promising route in view of an acceptable long-term outcome. Our aim following wound healing is that of early prosthetic provision to enable the old patient to return to his familiar surroundings. Before taking a decision as to prosthetic and/or wheelchair management, numerous parameters must be critically analyzed and appraised. These are dealt with in some detail in the present article. In case of prosthetic management, the model used should reflect current levels, and be supplied in the raw to permit convenient implementation of necessary corrections. General physical as well as gait training are of great significance. Selection of a wheelchair should be a matter of individualized prescription. The above-knee amputee must be viewed from his whole personality, i.e. rehabilitation not only refers to looking after the stump but has to consider the entire person. An essential role is played here by the individual's social environment.
Dorian
R
R
Klinik und Institut für Physikalische Therapie, Klinikums Nürnberg.
D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D006801:Humans; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D014910:Wheelchairs
Prothesen- und/oder Rollstuhlversorgung des betagten Patienten nach Oberschenkelamputation--Eine Entscheidung im Akutkrankenhaus.