Prevention of post-operative complications in the lower-extremity amputee

Eighty lower-extremity amputation patients were randomly divided into two groups: one that ambulated (A) early (48 to 72 hours) and one that did not (NA). Group A patients used an immediate, post-operative, pneumatic splinting device. The two groups were compared as to the incidence of wound and constitutional post-operative complications, with the A group showing significantly fewer. As in previous studies, the A group continued toward quicker and more successful rehabilitation.