Lower limb amputation following injury: a survey of long-term functional outcome

Although there have been significant advances in surgical methods of limb preservation and various injury scores produced to predict the outcome after severe lower limb injury, there is common belief amongst surgeons that patients rehabilitate rapidly and well after amputation. There is however little evidence in the literature supporting this view of functional outcome of amputation following injury. A subjective assessment of post-injury lower limb amputees implied that there was a similar functional outcome in above- and below-knee amputations. Furthermore, there was little functional difference between early and delayed amputations, the delayed group being more satisfied with the end result.