Early Post-Operative Prosthetic Fitting Problems and Scope in Early Rehabilitation

Abstract

BACKGROUND Limb loss is one of the most physically and psychologically devastating events that can happen in a person. Successful rehabilitation following amputation is complex and requires multiple medical, surgical and rehabilitation specialties. Early postoperative prosthetic fitting and independent ambulation are major goals in the rehabilitation of amputees, with early walking being extremely valuable in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of the amputee. Objective-To study the functional outcome of early post-operative prosthetic fitting in transtibial amputees. METHODS Study Setting-Department of PMR, Government Medical College, Trivandrum. Study Population-All transtibial amputees with early post-operative prosthetic fitting admitted in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ward during 1 year. RESULTS Transtibial amputees with early post-operative prosthetic fitting have good functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS Early post-operative prosthetic fitting is a feasible alternative to immediate post-operative prosthetic fitting for early rehabilitation.