The majority of amputations in the western world today are due to vascular disease. Despite the advances in surgical treatment of this disease, particularly by reconstruction, it is a sad fact that the number of amputations performed in these countries each year for vascular disease is increasing. Most of these amputees are elderly and their life expectancy is short, so it is important that the treatment and rehabilitation that they receive is informed, appropriate, efficient and swift to enable them to return successfully to life in the community for their remaining years. Management of this group of patients has proved to be successful only if a multidisciplinary team approach is adopted. Until recently in the UK, this approach sadly has only been implemented by a few centres. However, with the publication of the McColl report into the prosthetic and wheelchair service in 1986, interest in the care of the amputee is growing throughout the country. This book covers all aspects of amputation from disease and diagnosis to rehabilitation and community discharge with emphasis on the man agerneut of the largest group, the vascular lower limb amputee. A team approach is described and emphasized as being essential for good results and subsequent successful return into the community. The role of each of the important disciplines is described in relation to the appropriate part of the rehabilitation phase.
