Amputee Rehabilitation Program
Amputation
Amputation is a condition that involves partial or total loss of a leg or arm as a result of injury, disease, or surgery. Congenital (present at birth) limb deficiency occurs when an infant is born without part or all of a limb. In the United States, amputations are most commonly the result of:
- diseases such as diabetes (70%)
- traumatic injuries (22%)
- congenital (4%)
- cancer (4%)
Rehabilitation after Amputation
Loss of a limb and limb deficiency can impact a person's self-image, self-care abilities and mobility. Rehabilitation begins as soon as possible after the amputation either in the hospital or a rehabilitation center. A prosthesis (artificial limb) helps to replace the appearance and function of the missing arm or leg. Once individuals have been fit with an artificial limb, further training and therapy is usually required.
The success of rehabilitation depends on many variables, including the following:
- level and type of amputation
- healing at the location of the surgery
- overall health of the person
- family support
- treatment with Physical Therapy
- individual motivation
- pain control and management
Amputee Rehabilitation Program Focus
The University of Utah Regional Amputee Rehabilitation Program is based at the University of Utah Hospital and is designed to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art care to persons with arm or leg amputations. The program provides services throughout the continuum of care from before the amputation, through the hospital and rehabilitation phases, and in the community. A team of specialized individuals work with each person to assist individuals in achieving their goals and returning to the highest level of function possible. This team of professionals may include: The Surgeon, Rehabilitation Physician, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Nurse, Prosthetist, Social Worker, Vocational Counselor, and Psychologist.
In addition to assisting individuals with fitting of an artificial limb, the program emphasizes a structured rehabilitation program including range of motion activities, strengthening, and endurance training. The program also assists persons with pain management issues and skin issues following amputation. The program offers presurgical counseling and education, life care planning, disability rating, workman's compensation evaluations, vocational and avocational retraining.
Amputee Rehabilitation Program Services
- Pain management including residual limb pain and phantom pain
- Instruction and training in prosthetic (artificial limb) fitting
- Instruction and training in wearing a prosthesis
- Instruction and training in walking and performing daily activities with a prosthesis
- Skin care and management of skin problems
- Exercise training following amputation
- Training for work and recreational activities
- Life care planning
- Disability rating
Amputee Rehabilitation Program Contacts:
Amputee Rehabilitation Program Director:
Joseph Webster, M.D.
Associate Professor
Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Utah
Office: 801-581-7985
Clinic Appointments: 581-2267
Amputee Program Coordinator:
Randy Carson, P.T.
Outpatient Physical Therapy Appointments, call 581-2619
