Acquired limb deficiencies. 4. Troubleshooting

This self-directed learning module offers practical analyses of and solutio ns for common clinical problems of amputees. It is part of the chapter on a cquired limb deficiencies in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Th e information presented here has been designed to be useful also to other i nterested professionals, including prosthetists, physical therapists, occup ational therapists, and nurses. Topics covered include the management of ty pical obstacles encountered in upper limb amputees, and the diagnosis and t reatment of phantom and residual Limb pain. Diagnostic and treatment approa ches to skin breakdown in the transtibial amputee and to knee instability i n the transfemoral amputee are also presented. Overall Article Objective: To analyze common clinical problems of amputees.