Amputations and Prosthetics

Amputation is the surgical removal of a body part, partial or full extremity, due to disease, trauma or injury. Lower extremity amputations are significantly more common than upper extremity amputations, with peripheral vascular disease serving as the primary etiology. A commonly encountered client with limb loss is an older adult who underwent lower—limb amputation due to vascular disease. Many of these individuals have a comorbid diagnosis of diabetes. Other non-vascular causes of amputations include traumatic, cancer-related, and congenital conditions.

Amputation is considered the last course of action, but for many patients with various pathologies, it may become the only viable treatment option. Approximately ______% of all older adults with limb loss due to vascular disease will die within ______ years. Of the remaining individuals, _____ will experience another amputation, either on the same limb or contralaterally.

Prosthetics attempt to replace the missing body part to allow a patient improved function and cosmesis. Physical and occupational therapy are usually indicated for functional retraining with the prosthesis. Rehabilitation of an individual with limb loss requires a multidisciplinary approach typically involving a prosthetist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist.

Amputations and Prosthetics

Amputation is the surgical removal of a body part, partial or full extremity, due to disease, trauma or injury. Lower extremity amputations are significantly more common than upper extremity amputations, with peripheral vascular disease serving as the primary etiology. A commonly encountered client with limb loss is an older adult who underwent lower—limb amputation due to vascular disease. Many of these individuals have a comorbid diagnosis of diabetes. Other non-vascular causes of amputations include traumatic, cancer-related, and congenital conditions.

Amputation is considered the last course of action, but for many patients with various pathologies, it may become the only viable treatment option. Approximately ______% of all older adults with limb loss due to vascular disease will die within ______ years. Of the remaining individuals, _____ will experience another amputation, either on the same limb or contralaterally.

Prosthetics attempt to replace the missing body part to allow a patient improved function and cosmesis. Physical and occupational therapy are usually indicated for functional retraining with the prosthesis. Rehabilitation of an individual with limb loss requires a multidisciplinary approach typically involving a prosthetist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist.

50%

5 years

50%