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Published on: October 29, 2021

Care planning for children with lower limb amputation

Lucy Andrews1, Lynne Anderson, Stephanie Fairbain

  • 1Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. lucy.andrews@addenbrookes.nhs.uk

Nursing Children and Young People
|April 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This article outlines the care pathways for children after lower limb amputation, covering pre-surgery to long-term rehabilitation. Coordinated care by a lead professional and effective discharge planning are vital for successful recovery and adaptation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric surgery
  • Rehabilitation medicine
  • Child psychology

Background:

  • Lower limb amputation in children presents significant physical and psychological challenges.
  • Families must adapt to a child's new life with a disability, impacting mobility and daily life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore comprehensive care pathways for pediatric lower limb amputation.
  • To detail the multidisciplinary team's role throughout the child's treatment journey.
  • To emphasize the importance of coordinated care and discharge planning.

Main Methods:

  • Review of care pathways from pre-operation through long-term rehabilitation.
  • Description of multidisciplinary team involvement at various stages.
  • Focus on prosthetic limb casting and fitting processes.

Main Results:

  • Care is divided into pre-operative, post-operative, mid-term, and long-term rehabilitation phases.
  • Successful adaptation requires addressing mobility, metabolic demands, disfigurement, and pain.
  • The multidisciplinary team's progressive involvement is integral to patient care.

Conclusions:

  • Care coordination by a nominated lead professional is recommended.
  • Effective discharge planning is crucial for a successful transition home and ongoing rehabilitation.
  • Holistic, long-term support is essential for children and families navigating life after amputation.

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