Lower-Limb Amputee Rehabilitation

Lower limb amputations most commonly occur as a result of vascular conditions such as peripheral arterial disease and diabetes, or trauma, however can also result from infections or tumours (Hale, 2013). Physiotherapists are involved in the many different stages of amputee rehabilitation, which includes post-surgical, pre-prosthetic, prosthetic training, integration into the community, and vocational rehabilitation (Esquenazi & Meier, 1996). Rehabilitation will differ at the various stages, however will ultimately include patient education, residual limb care, functional training, ROM maintenance, and strengthening of upper and lower limbs (Spires, Kelly & Davis, 2013).

Mobility is important for amputees, as it helps to improve quality of life and assist with integration into the community (Hyland, 2009). Therefore, as physiotherapists it is necessary to be able to understand the factors that influence gait, evaluate the gait deviations that occur, and apply these observations to guide treatment (Spires, Kelly & Davis, 2013). Deviations may result from pain, fear, decreased strength or range of movement, poor movement patterns, decreased balance, poor techniques or habits, issues with the prosthesis, and more (Hale, 2013).