Prosthesis Rehabilitation in a Left Transfemoral Amputee with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Rheumatology

Background:

• A patient with a left transfemoral amputation developed rheumatoid arthritis and multiple pyogenic arthritis.
• Complications included joint dysfunction and immobilization, significantly impacting daily living activities (ADL).
• The patient faced challenges in maintaining economic status and living environment.

Observation:

• The patient, in his 50s, presented with upper limb joint pain, muscle weakness, and reduced exercise tolerance.
• Immobilization and ADL disturbances, including difficulty with one-leg standing, precluded initial prosthetic gait training.
• Despite challenges, the patient's preserved physical activity prior to amputation suggested potential for recovery.

Findings:

• A phased rehabilitation program, considering rheumatoid arthritis management, was implemented to improve ADL.
• Utilization of social resources supported the patient's recovery process.
• The patient successfully achieved prosthetic gait ability, enabling him to return to his living environment.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates that even complex amputations can achieve successful prosthetic ambulation with appropriate management.
• Careful assessment of residual abilities is crucial for prosthesis candidacy.
• Multidisciplinary rehabilitation is vital for optimizing outcomes in amputees with comorbid conditions.