title: Ability to return to driving after major lower limb amputation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to examine the ability of patients to return to driving cars and riding motorcycles after lower limb amputation, and to explore the factors that significantly affect such ability.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 90 participants, mean age 55.2 years (standard deviation 12.5), were recruited from a tertiary hospital. Inclusion criteria were: age over 18 years; unilateral or bilateral major lower limb amputation; and having been driving cars and/or riding motorcycles 6 months prior to amputation. Data collected via a structured questionnaire revealed that the most common cause of amputation was diabetic foot complications (75.6%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nearly half (45.6%) of the participants returned to driving/riding within 1-72 months post-amputation. Males (p<0.05) and those wearing prostheses (p<0.001) significantly returned to driving/riding. The main reasons for not driving/riding were family members' concerns, other medical illnesses, and lack of confidence of the patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rate of return to driving/riding among patients with lower limb amputation is low. Clinicians should address family members' concerns and patient's level of confidence in their rehabilitation services.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. julia@ummc.edu.my
authors: Julia Patrick
authors: JP
authors: Engkasan
authors: Farhah Mohd
authors: FM
authors: Ehsan
authors: Tze Yang
authors: TY
authors: Chung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009049:Motorcycles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult