Physiotherapy following through-knee amputation.
Physiotherapeutic treatment considerations specific to the through-knee amputee are presented. Treatment is determined by the assessment findings. The physiotherapy programme includes post-operative exercises, early weight-bearing, bed to chair transfers, bandaging techniques, the counteracting of contractures and gait training. Physiotherapy is a vital part of the rehabilitation of through-knee amputees. Principles of treatment are based on normal human locomotion, the individual patient's health status, biomechanical changes and expected stump functions. The through-knee stump is generally problem free, functional and end-bearing, allowing for a high rehabilitation rate in independent ambulation. It is therefore well suited for the geriatric amputee.
D000672:Amputation Stumps; D000674:Amputees; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001458:Bandages; D003286:Contracture / Q000517:prevention & control; D004434:Early Ambulation; D004487:Edema / Q000517:prevention & control; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000601:surgery*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011187:Posture