Rehabilitation outcomes for elderly lower limb amputees

The outcome following rehabilitation for 92 vascular amputees admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Geriatric Centre, Ballarat between 1 January 1982 and 31 December 1987 is presented. Data includes age, sex, concomitant disease, mortality, length of hospital stay and acceptance of prosthesis. Statistical analysis reveals no predictive factors for mobility levels attained by amputees other than amputation type, no predictive factors for acceptance of prostheses, and no predictive factors for total length of hospital stay. As a consequence, the Queen Elizabeth Geriatric Centre will continue the practice of admitting all amputees who wish to use artificial limbs to the prosthetic programme, regardless of age or concomitant disease.