DELAYED REFERRAL OF LOWER LIMB AMPUTEES FOR REHABILITATION; AN AUDIT STUDY

An Audit of Rehabilitation

Abstract

Objective: To determine the causes of delayed referral of lower limb amputees for rehabilitation.
Study Design: Descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine Rawalpindi, from April 2012 to July 2012.
Patient and Methods: Thirty two patient cases of lower limb amputation were included. They were referred cases to AFIRM from operational areas and CMHs all over Pakistan for provision of prosthesis and rehabilitation.
Results: A total of 32 lower limb amputees’ male patients with mean age 29 years were included in the study. Transtibial level was the most common amputation 19(57.6%). Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was the most common mode of injury 19(57.6%). 34.37% patients were delayed due to leave granted to them at local set ups before referral to AFIRM for rehabilitation.
Conclusion: Delayed referral for rehabiltation has poor impact on rehabilitation of an amputee.