Author/Editor		Prešern-Štrukelj, Marjeta
Title		Rehabilitacija starejših po amputaciji spodnjih udov zaradi žilne bolezni
Type		članek
Source		In: Burger H, editor. Amputacije in protetika. Zbornik predavanj 13. dnevi rehabilitacijske medicine; 2002 mar 15-16; Ljubljana. 1. izd. Ljubljana: Inštitut Republike Slovenije za rehabilitacijo,
Publication year		2002
Volume		str. 27-33
Language		slo
Abstract		About 90% of all lower limb amputations result from a poor arterial circulation, the main cause being atherosclerosis and its complications. About 5-8% of elderly people (aged 65 years and more) have peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). In diabetic patients the percentage of PAOD is even higher. Atherosclerosis involves the arteries of the whole body, especially of the heart, brain and lower extremities. This leads to myocardial infarction, stroke and because of critical ischaemia, to the amputation of a leg. Amputation is one of the most dramatical surgical interventions resulting in a serious impairment and may lead to handicap, especially if both lower extremities are amputated. In Europe the incidence of amputation is about 30 per 100.000 inhabitants per year. The number of amputations rises with the aging of a population. In the first year after the amputation of one leg, about 11.9% of patients undergo bilateral amputation. Within 5 years, in 51 % of patients bilateral amputation is needed. Life expectation of vascular amputees is short: 45% die within 2 years and 75% within 4 years after amputation. In most patients functional abilities decreased after amputation and age, comorbidity and the level of amputation seem to be a significant related factor. The goal of rehabilitation following amputation of the lower limb is to regain as much as possible the psychophysical and social status that the patient had before the amputation. The main aim is to restore and preserve maximum independence of actions as long as possible with independence of mobility within and outside the home. This treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. The success of rehabilitation depends on the patient's cooperation as well as on the level of amputation.
Descriptors		ARTERIAL OCCLUSIVE DISEASES AMPUTATION PAIN AMPUTATION STUMPS AGED CONTRACTURE WOUND HEALING LEG