DAILY FUNCTIONING OF THE LOWER-EXTREMITY AMPUTEE - AN OVERVIEW OF THELITERATURE

The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature on the inci dence, morbidity and mortality of lower limb amputation. The functiona l level of the lower limb amputee and the predictive factors for funct ioning with a prosthesis are reviewed, both for unilateral and for bil ateral amputees. The reported incidence of lower extremity amputation (LEA) varies considerably between different Western countries. The mea n survival of LEA patients ranges between two and five years. Assessme nt of functional outcome is carried out differently. Studies are not c omparable and most concern selected groups of amputees. Increasing age , concurrent disease and poor compliance are prognostic factors for a low functional level. For optimal planning of rehabilitation it is nec essary to study a complete cohort of amputees with respect to these pr ognostic factors.