Limb loss: alterations in body image

An estimated 10% of persons older than 70 years have peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease includes venous and arterial medical conditions. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major concern in assessment of patients for loss of limb. With the ever increasing numbers of senior citizens in the United States today, a major public health concern is the management of chronic health problems. Many persons who have progressive PAD as a result of circulatory changes eventually are forced to have a limb amputated. This amputation triggers the realization of the loss of the limb, which directly influences body image. Therefore, management of the effect of limb loss on body image becomes a major nursing consideration in health promotion/health maintenance endeavors by health care professionals. This article explores the concepts of limb loss and body image. The relationship between PAD and limb loss is established. The conceptual link between limb loss and body image alteration is described, with emphasis on the importance of nursing interventions to manage body image alterations. Pathophysiologic conditions leading to PAD and limb loss are reviewed. Nursing implications for management of body image alterations with limb loss are summarized.