DUNDEE REVISITED - 25 YEARS OF A TOTAL AMPUTEE SERVICE

The Dundee Limb Fitting Centre has provided an integrated rehabilitati on programme for the amputee since 1965. A review of 1846 primary ampu tees is discussed. During this period a dramatic change in the above-k nee/below-knee (AK/BK) ratio has been achieved with 71% BK and 26% AK occurring in 1989. Over 80% of all amputees, the majority being elderl y with peripheral vascular disease, were successfully fitted with a pr osthesis. Final discharge home or to a residential home for the elderl y was achieved in 76.2% of cases with 3.6% dying in the Unit. Bilatera l amputation occurred in 18% of cases of whom 48% were BK-BK. Overall 66% were successfully fitted with a prosthesis. The results demonstrat e the advantages of an integrated approach to the amputation and conse quent rehabilitation.