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PNA RESEARCH CASE LIBRARYOrthopaedic Rehabilitation · 2022

Rehabilitation of a Patient after a Transtibial Amputation: A Case Report

Sayali S. Mahulkar, Priyanka A. Telang, Sakshi P. Arora

Cureus · 2022 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30773

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THE CASE IN PLAIN ENGLISH

What happened?

A 50-year-old man with a non-healing foot ulcer and gangrene underwent a left transtibial amputation and was referred for pre-prosthetic and prosthetic rehabilitation. Diabetes, hypertension, malnutrition and depression added complexity to recovery.

Clinical findings

  • The limb had developed severe infection and gangrene, making amputation a lifesaving intervention.
  • The patient required assessment of the residual limb, strength, mobility, balance, endurance and readiness for prosthetic use.
  • Comorbidities and the condition of the remaining limb were relevant to safe rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation described in the report

  • The report describes rehabilitation before and after prosthetic fitting, including strengthening, flexibility, balance and dynamic-equilibrium activities.
  • Prosthetic prescription and gait training were part of the wider rehabilitation process.
  • Residual-limb care, medical stability and individualized progression are essential; the paper's details should be read before applying any specific exercise plan.

Reported outcomes

  • The authors describe improved functional mobility and independence through prosthetic rehabilitation.
  • The report emphasizes the role of exercise and prosthetic training in daily activity performance.

Clinical lessons to consider

  • Amputation rehabilitation begins with the whole person: residual limb, sound limb, comorbidities, endurance, mood and personal goals.
  • Pre-prosthetic preparation and gait training are linked stages, not isolated services.
  • Protect the remaining limb and coordinate wound, vascular and metabolic care with the multidisciplinary team.

Limitations — what this case cannot tell us

  • Single case with limited ability to separate the effects of surgery, medical treatment, prosthetic fitting and physiotherapy.
  • Outcomes depend heavily on vascular status, wound healing, prosthesis fit and social context.

Original source

Sayali S. Mahulkar, Priyanka A. Telang, Sakshi P. Arora. “Rehabilitation of a Patient after a Transtibial Amputation: A Case Report.” Cureus, 2022. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30773

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This page is an independently written educational summary, not a reproduction of the full paper. Check the original article for complete methods, outcome tables, references and licensing.