A survey of physiotherapists involved in paediatric lower limb amputee rehabilitation in the British Isles

Abstract

Objectives Children require extensive rehabilitation following lower limb amputation and there are few reports describing this rehabilitation process. A survey to assess opinions, practice and caseloads amongst physiotherapists involved with paediatric amputee rehabilitation in the British Isles was therefore undertaken. Design A 17-item structured telephone survey was developed to include the main aspects of physiotherapy rehabilitation of children following lower limb amputation. Physiotherapists working in paediatrics and/or amputee rehabilitation in a range of acute, outpatient and community settings were surveyed. Results Data were collected between November 2001 and October 2002. Physiotherapists from 70 centres were contacted, and 52 treated paediatric lower limb amputees. A variety of causes of amputation were managed. All physiotherapists commented that they saw very few paediatric patients. No centre had protocols in place for any stage of management. In all geographical areas, rehabilitation was available throughout recovery for all causes of lower limb amputation. Core elements of rehabilitation were similar; however, additional elements differed between centres. Conclusions This survey indicates that the small population of children with lower limb amputation has access to rehabilitation throughout their recovery. However, there is variation in the provision of physiotherapy rehabilitation services throughout the British Isles. Redesigning physiotherapy rehabilitation services for paediatric lower limb amputees, and formalisation of cross-speciality links between paediatric and amputee physiotherapists may help to address these issues and better equip these children for future function.