Amputations

 

The start of rehabilitation medicine as an AMA board certified specialty was the result of soldiers surviving war injuries in WWII including amputations. The care of amputations and fabrication of orthotics and prosthetic limbs is Rehabilitation 101.

The most frustrating for me is when I see an amputee without a prosthesis.  The patient often says “since I can not walk the doctor never ordered one”. Well that is just wrong. Even if you can not walk you need to stand. Standing or weight bearing is one of the most important things you can do to maintain orthopedic and cardio-vascular help. Your bones get stronger when you stand. So does your heart. All amputees should have orthotics, braces and prosthetics to help standing not just for ambulation.