Return to work after lower limb amputation.

Abstract

This study investigated the proportion of patients who returned to work following amputation and the factors that influenced a positive or negative outcome. One hundred patients of working age who had sustained unilateral lower limb amputation at least 1 year previously and who were established prosthesis users participated in the study. A specially designed questionnaire similar to a guided interview was administered by the rehabilitation physician at the patients' routine follow-ups. The questionnaire yielded a unique score dependent on whether return to work (or a different or preferred occupation) had been achieved with good or reduced productivity. All patients were eligible for mobility benefit, including schemes to purchase suitably adapted vehicles if necessary. However, no vocational rehabilitation was available. Sixty-six per cent of patients returned to employment and this was related to mobility, time since amputation and Handicap Scale scores. Age, socket comfort, level and cause of amputation, type of previous work or the presence of other medical problems did not differ between those who did and did not return to work. The Employment Questionnaire showed good correspondence with the London Handicap Scale, indicating some concurrent validity, although future development might include consideration of psychological factors, which could explain more of the reasons for continued unemployment.