FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES OF LOWER-EXTREMITY AMPUTEES

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 59  (3) , 109-120
Abstract
Lower extremity amputees (134) were evaluated from 6 mo. to 12 yr postamputation by means of retrospective questionnaires. Patient population was similar to that of the Amputee Census in terms of sex, amputation level and cause of amputation. Information was gathered on activities generally considered essential for daily living, vocation and recreation, living arrangements and adjustments therein, as well as feedback on the patients'' beliefs concerning what rehabilitation personnel should be doing to improve amputees'' lifestyle. The relationship of functional outcome to age, amputation level and cause of amputation was also evaluated. Most amputees did not resume a completely normal lifestyle and many modifications were made. The most popular recreational activities were fishing and swimming. Activities that amputees found most difficult were running and walking long distances. Patients requested better communication between professional staff and themselves. Below-knee amputees were significantly more independent than above-knee and bilateral amputees, but the differences between above-knee and bilateral amputees were statistically insignificant. Tumor patients did better than the other 3 etiologic groups. As age increased, functional independence decreased.

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