on 13-Sep-2019 (Fri)

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%

passive insufficiency - -restricts motion in the direction antagonistic to the muscle's contraction because the muscle is too short to permit full movement across multiple joints

the hamstrings: active knee flexion and simultaneous hip extension

- both motions can't be fully performed at the same time because the hamstrings can't shorten enough to work at the hip and knee

.. - insufficiency shortening which limits active excursion

Ability to complete test movement and/or hold test position against gravity and minimal (slight) pressure.

Ability to complete test movement and/or hold test position against gravity but cannot hold if even slight pressure is applied.

Ability to initiate test movement against gravity, but completes less than 1/2 of test movement range. OR

Ability to complete test movement in a gravity lessened position against slight resistance throughout the range. OR

Ability to complete test movement and hold test position in a gravity lessened position against slight pressure.

Ability to complete test movement in gravity lessened position