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How successful is below-knee amputation for injury?
1D.S.A. Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre, Bristol.
Injury
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Young adults with below-knee amputation achieve excellent rehabilitation, with most returning to work and daily activities. While many report minimal disability, phantom limb or stump pain persists for a significant portion.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Prosthetics
Background:
- Below-knee amputation presents significant challenges for young adults.
- Successful rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term rehabilitation success in young adults following below-knee amputation.
- To identify factors influencing functional recovery and patient-reported outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 25 patients under 45 years old at amputation.
- Data collected via medical records review, questionnaires, and interviews 2-12 years post-operation.
Main Results:
- 84% of patients wore prostheses for over 13 hours daily.
- 72% could walk one mile, and 84% drove cars.
- 84% reported feeling only slightly or not disabled, though 72% experienced phantom limb or stump pain.
Conclusions:
- Young adults generally achieve high levels of functional independence after below-knee amputation.
- While physical function is often restored, chronic pain remains a concern for many patients.