How successful is below-knee amputation for injury?

This study analyses how successfully young adults rehabilitate after below-knee amputation for injury. Twenty-five patients referred to Bristol Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre and aged under 45 years at the time of amputation were investigated 2–12 years after operation by a review of their records, a questionnaire and, in a few cases, by interview. Most did extremely well. All without serious disabilities were able to work, most requiring little or no sick leave because of their amputations. Prostheses were worn by 84 per cent of patients for more than 13 h a day and only 32 per cent had left them off for more than 4 days in the previous 12 months. One mile could be walked by 72 per cent, nearly all (84 per cent) drove cars, and the majority could use public transport with relative ease. Of the patients 84 per cent regarded themselves as only slightly or not at all disabled. However, it takes about 1 year to reach this satisfactory ‘present stale’ and 72 per cent remain troubled by phantom limb or stump pain.