Rehabilitation of post traumatic limb consequences

Abstract

Background. The rehabilitation of individuals with extremity injury is a common but complex problem for the surgical and rehabilitative teams. Basic science tenets of fracture and soft tissue reconstruction and healing guide postoperative weight-bearing and range of motion protocols. Aim of study. To evaluate rehabilitation of post traumatic patients with limb consequences. Methods and materials. A systematic approach was employed to examine pre reviewed articles between the years 2020 and 2024 in Pubmed, Google Scholar were analyzed the articles with keyword “rehabilitation of limb”. Results. All patients who sustained limb loss because of the Troubles and were referred to our rehabilitation center were sent a questionnaire. The main outcome measures were the SIGAM mobility grades, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) and three screening questions for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) out of a 66% response rate, 52 (69%) patients felt that the period of primary prosthetic rehabilitation was adequate; 32 (54%) lower limb amputees graded themselves SIGAM C or D; 45 (60%) patients stated that they were still having significant stump pain. Significant stump pain was associated with poorer mobility. 33 (44%) patients showed „psychiatric caseness” on the GHQ 12 and 50 (67%) had symptoms of PTSD. Conclusion. Most patients felt that the period of physical rehabilitation had been adequate; those who did not were more likely to be having ongoing psychological problems. A high percentage of patients continue to have psychological problems and stump pain.