Early psychosocial impact and functional level following major lower limb amputations

Major lower limb amputations have psychological and functional implications. The goal of this study was to assess psychological impact and functional outcome and of major lower limb. This was a prospective study. Patients who consented to the study were recruited from the emergency department of the Hospital or at the out-patient clinic. The psycho-social impact was assessed at 2-weeks post operation using the Hospital Anxiety Depression scale score. Functional level was assessed using the classification as proposed by Narang et al, at 6-months post-operation. Sixty patients were included in the study. 43 (71%) were males and 18 (29%) females. Mean age of the respondents was 47years (±2) with a range of 18-68 years. The commonest indication for amputation was trauma 24 (39%). At 2-weeks post-operation, 25 (42%) and 13 (22%) patients respectively exhibited clinical features of depression and anxiety. Marital status and level of education had no significant influence on development of psychologic symptoms. At 6 months post amputation, only 19 (31%) of our respondents had had a prosthetic fitting and only 6 (10%) had returned to their jobs. Major depression and anxiety is a common psychological reaction in amputees. Reduced earning capacity adversely affects rehabilitation in our environment.