Bilateral lower limb amputation - an exercise in rehabilitation

There is little need to stress the limitations imposed by functional deficits involving both lower limbs. At best the ability to walk on level surfaces is reduced and the ability to climb up and down is restricted. Older patients may become dependent on help for some of the normal activities of everyday life. Younger patients may be unable to earn a living. For both there is the fundamental loss of dignity associated with personal dependence. For the community there is the economic burden of an ever increasing number of people who are non-productive and require individual assistance. The numbers who are surviving amputation of both lower limbs is increasing, and the problem is therefore acquiring a degree of urgency.