Factors influencing reintegration to normal living after amputation

This study identified factors affecting reintegration to normal living (RNL) after lower extremity amputation. A questionnaire was used to evaluate RNL at a veterans' medical center and private rehabilitation clinic. The patients were 42 elderly individuals (68 +/- 1.5 years). Eighty-eight percent were men and 76% had additional health problems. Unilateral below-knee amputations, unilateral above-knee amputations, and bilateral amputations accounted for 38%, 36%, and 26% of subjects, respectively. Eleven questions were asked to evaluate mobility, self-care, work, recreation, social activities (daily functioning), relationships, social self, and life events (perception of self). The median overall RNL score was 16 of 22 (range, 5 to 22). Poor reintegration occurred in community mobility, work, and recreation. Perception of self questions showed satisfactory reintegration. Examination of variables impacting reintegration showed only additional illness significantly reducing the RNL score. It was concluded that current rehabilitative efforts regarding home mobility and psychological adjustment are satisfactory. More attention to community mobility, recreation, and additional illnesses would improve RNL after amputation.