Pre-operative rehabilitation evaluation of the dysvascular patient prior to amputation

Lower-extremity amputation secondary to dysvascular disease, including diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, is a major health problem in the United States. Due to the increased comorbidities in this patient population, pre-operative rehabilitation evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is crucial to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This article discusses the key factors that may affect functional outcomes in this patient population and outlines important history and physical examination components that should be evaluated pre-operatively.