Acquired limb deficiencies. 4. Troubleshooting.
UNLABELLED: This self-directed learning module offers practical analyses of and solutions for common clinical problems of amputees. It is part of the chapter on acquired limb deficiencies in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The information presented here has been designed to be useful also to other interested professionals, including prosthetists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses. Topics covered include the management of typical obstacles encountered in upper limb amputees, and the diagnosis and treatment of phantom and residual limb pain. Diagnostic and treatment approaches to skin breakdown in the transtibial amputee and to knee instability in the transfemoral amputee are also presented. OVERALL ARTICLE OBJECTIVE: To analyze common clinical problems of amputees.