Care of the Elderly Patient with Lower Extremity Amputation

Abstract

Background: The elderly patient with a lower extremity amputation (LEA) remains relatively common in most family medicine practices. LEA can be categorized into three major types: partial foot, transtibial amputation, and transfemoral amputation. Family physicians have not been well trained to provide care to these patients. Methods: A literature review was performed using the key words "lower extremity amputation," "aged" and "rehabilitation." Results and Conclusions: Appropriate medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care can have a positive effect on the functional outcome for an elderly patient with a lower extremity amputation. The family physician can be instrumental in preparing the patient and family for surgery, providing psychological support, preventing and treating complications, managing comorbid illness, and assisting in rehabilitation. In addition, the family physician is primarily responsible for the daily care needs of these patients.