Factors Influencing Rehabilitation and Functional Outcome in Lower Limb Amputees

The effects of rehabilitation and the functional outcome were studied in 58 amputees who had been admitted to our hospital for rehabilitation during the past 9 years. The patients were divided into two groups according to age (>60 years or ≤60 years) and amputation level (trans-femoral or trans-tibial). On discharge, unilateral trans-femoral amputees exhibited almost the same scores on the activities of daily living (ADL) scale (motor FIM scores) as the unilateral trans-tibial amputees, and the percentage of those who were able to walk was almost the same. The percentage of elderly patients who were able to walk was low. The outcome study was carried out using questionnaires sent by mail or by telephone interview after discharge. Forty-five patients were evaluated for their functional outcome. There were no significant differences in the percentage of the patients wearing prosthesis, walking ability, or dependence rate in ADL between two amputation level groups. The percentage of the patients wearing prosthesis and able to walk was low and the dependence rate in ADL was high among elderly patients. Neither amputation level nor the presence or absence of concurrent medical problems had a significant impact on their functional status. Appropriate rehabilitation and the use of prosthesis are expected to enable even trans-femoral amputees to manage themselves adequately in ADL. Age was an important factor influencing the functional outcome of lower limb amputees, and older patients tended to be less able to perform their activities of daily living.