Post lower-limb amputation : adaptation towards independence

Abstract

The aim of this project was to investigate how individuals who underwent lower limb amputation adapt to the post-amputation period. This aim was achieved by the conduction of a small-scale, non-experimental, descriptive research study. Convenience sampling was used and ten participants who satisfied the inclusion criteria were chosen to participate in the present study. Problems encountered during the rehabilitation period following an amputation and ways of adaptation to these problems, were addressed in the semi-structured interviews that were carried out in the participants' own homes. Findings suggested that the most common problems experienced during the period of rehabilitation following amputation are prosthesis-related problems, balance problems, and housing limitations. Phantom pain and psychological problems are two other problems that were encountered by the majority of the participants, and that may have hindered physical adaptation following amputation. Most of the participants stated that the use of physical therapy and occupational therapy services, mobility device use, adjustments to the prosthesis, support :from significant others, ongoing care, education and house arrangements, were some of the factors that helped them adapt to the problems they were experiencing. However, at the time of data collection, some participants still had problems to solve. In view of these findings, a number of recommendations for education, practice and further research were proposed.