Lower limb amputation : towards a successful geriatric rehabilitation

Abstract

Despite the advances in surgical treatment of amputation, particularly in reconstruction, it is a sad fact that the number of amputations performed is increasing. This is due to: an increase in the elderly population, an increase in the number of trauma and accidents, an unhealthy diet, smoking, vascular disease and diabetes. The main aim of an amputation procedure is to save the patients life while conserving as much limb as possible so as to make it easier for the prosthetic fitting.