Background
Worldwide, limb amputation is a very common procedure that is indicated after severe complications of diseases and after major physical traumas which cause a damage that is untreatable. Studies showed high prevalence of amputation in Sudan as a result of Diabetic. The most common type of major lower limb amputations is called Trans-tibial or below knee amputation. Any patient who undergoes an amputation will need thorough educational program to know more about his/her condition, avoid complications, and be able to return to his/her functional and normal life before the amputation.
Aim
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pre- and postoperative patient education on preventing knee flexion contractures in trans-tibial amputation patients in selected centers in Khartoum state.
Method
A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey was used in this study. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of fifty participants from four facilities have participated in the study. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21
Result
More than half of the participants who received patient education, did not have any complications and only 28% of them had complications. There were 42% of study participants came from outside Khartoum to seek Trans-tibial amputation rehabilitation services. There were 68% of participants received education from their physiotherapists.
Conclusion
There are a shortage in Trans-tibial amputation rehabilitation services outside Khartoum city. The study concluded that the pre- and postoperative patient education is important as it can decrease the number and severity of complications an amputee might have after the surgery.
Recommendations: Pre- and post-operative Patient education must be part of the rehabilitation protocol and awareness about it should be required for patient and the rehabilitation team.
