Ability to return to driving after major lower limb amputation.
Summary of "Ability to return to driving after major lower limb amputation."
Objective: The aims of this study were to examine the ability of patients to return to driving cars and riding motorcycles after lower limb amputation, and to explore the factors that significantly affect such ability. Design: A sample of 90 participants, mean age 55.2 years (standard deviation 12.5), were recruited from a tertiary hospital. Inclusion criteria were: age over 18 years; unilateral or bilateral major lower limb amputation; and having been driving cars and/or riding motorcycles 6 months prior to amputation. Data collected via a structured questionnaire revealed that the most common cause of amputation was diabetic foot complications (75.6%). Results: Nearly half (45.6%) of the participants returned to driving/riding within 1-72 months post-amputation. Males (p < 0.05) and those wearing prostheses (p < 0.001) significantly returned to driving/riding. The main reasons for not driving/riding were family members' concerns, other medical illnesses, and lack of confidence of the patient. Conclusion: The rate of return to driving/riding among patients with lower limb amputation is low. Clinicians should address family members' concerns and patient's level of confidence in their rehabilitation services.
Affiliation
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mail: julia@ummc.edu.my; jpe242696@yahoo.com.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Journal of rehabilitation medicine : official journal of the UEMS European Board of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
ISSN: 1651-2081
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22124514
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2340/16501977-0904
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Automobile Driving
The effect of environmental or physiological factors on the driver and driving ability. Included are driving fatigue, and the effect of drugs, disease, and physical disabilities on driving.
Hemipelvectomy
Amputation of a lower limb through the sacroiliac joint.
Amputation Stumps
The part of a limb or tail following amputation that is proximal to the amputated section.
Limb Salvage
An alternative to amputation in patients with neoplasms, ischemia, fractures, and other limb-threatening conditions. Generally, sophisticated surgical procedures such as vascular surgery and reconstruction are used to salvage diseased limbs.
Amputation
The removal of a limb or other appendage or outgrowth of the body. (Dorland, 28th ed)
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