The fate of elderly amputees

Abstract

Abstract The results of amputation of the lower limb in 75 elderly atherosclerotic patients are presented. Less than 50 per cent of the patients survived for more than 6 months after operation. The average time spent in hospital after the operation was 57.6 days. When the present study was started only 26 (35 per cent) of the patients were still living. Seventeen of the survivors were using artificial limbs to some extent. A plea is made for special rehabilitation units which could provide the progressive care that these patients need.