Rehabilitation and prosthetics post-amputation

It is paramount that surgeons performing amputations have an understanding of the rehabilitation pathway and the prosthetic options for their patients following the amputation procedure. Some surgeons consider an amputation a failure of their previous treatment, but for their patients, it is the beginning of their rehabilitation. In limb loss, the rehabilitation pathway could start antenatally or at the pre-amputation consultation, but input continues for the life of the patient. An integrated pathway between the surgical and rehabilitation teams for patients, from the consideration of option of amputation, through surgical treatment and pre-prosthetic rehabilitation, to provision of a definitive prosthesis and achievement of their ultimate goals is essential. This article aims to provide an introduction to current practice in amputee rehabilitation. We will cover rehabilitation in upper and lower limb loss and describe the input of the multidisciplinary team led by the rehabilitation medicine consultant and indicate where future advances will be made.