Author: Adunsky A. Wershawski M. Arad M. Heruti R. Siev-Ner I. Heim M.
Publisher: Informa Healthcare
ISSN: 1464-5165
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation, Vol.23, Iss.2, 2001-01, pp. : 80-84
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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this survey was to examine the characteristic of a geriatric population admitted for amputation of a lower limb and to explore some of the factors that may affect the course of their hospital stay.Method: The study took place in the geriatric division of a tertiary general hospital and included a close geriatric-orthopaedic liaison. Two-hundred and forty-one patients were included in the final analysis.Results: Many above knee amputations were performed, which correlated with advanced age. Rates of in hospital mortality and systemic complications were 16% and 19%, respectively. Thirty-three percent of the patients were discharged back home, and only 6% were supplied with an artificial limb. The general condition of most patients remained poor.Conclusion: We conclude that despite a team approach to the care of the geriatric amputee a poor functional result was obtained. By encouraging earlier referrals from the community it is postulated that a reduction in the costly provision of antibiotics would be beneficial and that perhaps lower levels of amputation could be performed thereby enhancing the possibilities for ambulation.
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