AMPUTEE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
CAPM&R
CONSENSUS STATEMENT ON AMPUTEE REHABILITATION

Major extremity limb amputation has an incidence of 30/100,00 in Canada, and this incidence does not appear to be changing. Amputation has significant consequences for those having the amputation, including physical, emotional and vocational sequelae, as well as an impact on society as a whole.

The current practice of amputee rehabilitation varies across the country, both with respect to timing, location, practitioners involved, and funding.

Individuals with amputation require interdisciplinary rehabilitation care in order to maximize their functional gain and to minimize the impact of the amputation on the patient and society.

Such care is best delivered by interdisciplinary teams of individuals who are dedicated to amputee care, whether prosthetic use is being considered or not. Treatment should occur in locations where team members, the patient and their families can interact, so that goals can quickly be set and acted upon, and problems recognized and dealt with expeditiously.

We have a responsibility to endeavour to provide timely and easy access to interdisciplinary care for all Canadians with amputations.