Original scientific paper

Functioning of persons following lower limb amputation – patients’ perspective

Helena Burger ; University Rehabilitation Institute Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to describe functioning of persons following lower limb amputation from their perspective by using ICF. Special emphasis was laid on detecting environmental barriers and facilitators. Methods: All subjects examined at the author’s outpatient clinic within six months who met the inclusion criteria were included into study. A student of occupational therapy prepared a list of ICF categories from all the components. She also interviewed all the subjects. Results: Forty-six subjects (36 men and 10 women), 63.5 years old on average at the time of study, amputated 21.8 years before the study on average were included into the study. They had impairments of up to 4 body functions (median 3) in addition to the amputation of one body structure; problems with 0 to 22 activities and participation (median 7); from 1to 19 barriers (median 11.5) and from 6 to 26 facilitators (median 15) in their environment. Discussion: Although all the included subjects completed comprehensive rehabilitation following lower limb amputation they still experienced several impairments, limitations and restrictions. Rehabilitation team members have to know these facts and try to decrease their impact on the functioning of persons following lower limb amputation. Conclusions: Persons following lower limb amputation who completed comprehensive rehabilitation still experience several impairments, limitations and restrictions.

Keywords

ICF classification; lower limb amputation; rehabilitation

Hrčak ID:

95733

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/95733

Publication date:

3.12.2012.

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