Ability or disability? A study of the functional outcome of 65 consecutive lower limb amputees treated at the Royal South Sydney Hospital in 1988-1989

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Abstract
A follow-up study by personal interview (45) or written response (4) or next-of-kin (3) interview using a questionnaire, has been made at least 1 year from discharge of the 52 survivors (82%) of 65 lower limb amputees treated at the Royal South Sydney Hospital in the years 1988-1989. At follow-up prostheses were used by 94% of the people, 72% of the group using their prostheses all day. Independence in self-care was found to be more important to final discharge home than walking skills. The 93% return home rate was considered to be in part due to funding for home modifications provided by government sources. Car driving was a mobility aid for 25% of patients whereas public transport was used by only 9% of subjects. Some patients mentioned that the loss of pain and a feeling of well-being was a positive gain from their amputation surgery.

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