Lower Extremity Amputation: A Guide to Functional Outcomes in Physical Therapy Management, 2d ed.

This second edition of Lower Extremity Amputation is superbly written and meets the editors' objectives of creating a "framework and process" for clinical problem solving in the rehabilitation of persons with lower-extremity amputation. Emphasis is placed on the total team approach to patient care.

The textbook is divided into 16 "units," all of which are concisely written with straight-to-the-point information. Unit 1 addresses subjective and objective data that are needed to develop an effective course of treatment after surgery. Unit 2 addresses general outcomes that are specific for persons with lower-extremity amputation. Factors that influence these outcomes are identified. Unit 3 covers preprosthetic management. It includes skin care, positioning, methods of shrinking the residual limb, and exercise protocols. Unit 4 covers prosthetic training program considerations. This unit addresses some "do's" and "don'ts" affecting the residual limb, the prosthesis, and biomechanical implications. Unit 5 contains an update of below-knee prosthetic components, addresses socket designs, gives updates on suspensory mechanisms with some indications for use, and covers present-day energy-storing prosthetic feet. Unit 6 addresses the major considerations of above-knee prostheses, which are frontal- and sagittal-plane stability and suspensory mechanisms. Attention is given to the relatively new ischial containment or "narrow M-L" socket. Unit 7 explains the biomechanics of the hip disarticulation prosthesis. Unit 8, "Prosthetic Prescription," highlights the major factors to be considered by the clinical team in prescribing prosthetic replacement. Indications and contraindications are summarized, comparing exoskeletal prostheses to endoskeletal prostheses, suspensory systems, socket designs, ankle/foot components, and knee components.

The remaining eight units cover proper procedures for donning and doffing prostheses, prosthetic training, gait training, discharge planning, support programs, sports and persons with amputations, and special considerations for the child with lower-extremity amputation.

The authors have succeeded in making another important contribution to the literature on rehabilitation of the person with lower-extremity amputation. Any health care professional who plays a significant role in the management of persons with lower-extremity amputation must have access to this book.