General complications

These mainly consist of problems such as chest infections, angina, heart attacks and strokes.  Because your mobility is restricted after an amputation, pressure sores can also develop.  The nursing staff particularly will make great efforts to avoid this occurring.  Special mattresses and beds are used to reduce pressure on areas at risk of sores.  Regular turning to relieve pressure is also important.

Local complications

These mainly consist of wound infections that can develop in the stump.  Antibiotics are given to reduce the risk of infection developing at the time of surgery.  The stump can sometimes fail to heal or breakdown either as a result of a fall, infection or a poor blood supply.  When this happens it can sometimes mean a further operation to revise the amputation or to remove more of the leg.

Sometimes contractures can develop in the knee or hip joint and once present and established can be impossible to correct.  The knee or hip will not straighten and then fitting an artificial limb can become impossible. Physiotherapy to keep the joints supple will begin almost immediately after the operation to avoid the risk of contracture.

Phantom Limb Pain

Phantom limb is the sensation of still being able to feel the amputated limb.  Most amputees experience this sensation, although the intensity can vary from person to person.

In many patients pain is also experienced in the amputated limb.  This is phantom limb pain and can occur in many patients, but is usually fairly mild and self limiting, although it may be a nuisance.  In a few patients phantom limb pain can be a serious problem and difficult to treat.

Is it possible to walk after an amputation?

Yes, it is possible to walk after an amputation.  How easy it will be to walk depends on a number of factors.  For instance it is generally easier to walk with an artificial leg (prosthesis) after a below knee amputation.  If you were able to walk normally before your amputation and do not have other illnesses such as angina or breathing difficulties this will also make it more likely you will walk after your amputation.

It can take between 6 and 12 months for full rehabilitation potential to be reached.

Most patients undergoing minor amputation will be able to walk virtually normally after surgery.

What will happen after an amputation?

Initially there will be a period of recovery from the operation.  Once recovery from the surgery has taken place, physiotherapists and occupational therapists will concentrate on enabling you to manage independently.  This will require learning new skills, such as moving from a wheelchair to the bed and back again, using a wheelchair and starting to use an artificial limb.  There will be various exercises to strengthen the upper body and maintain flexibility and movement in the amputated leg.

If you are well enough it may be possible to walk on a temporary artificial leg (PAM aid, pneumatic aid to mobilization) very soon after your operation.  This prosthesis has an inflatable section which is placed around the newly formed stump.  This can be a very successful method of early rehabilitation, but a permanent made-to-measure artificial leg will be made for you after referral and assessment at the local limb fitting centre.  This can only be done when your leg swelling is getting better and may take more than one attempt before the right fit is obtained.

After an amputation the majority of patients need the help of a wheelchair to remain mobile.  Sometimes the use of a wheelchair may be the best way of remaining mobile.  If you are very elderly or have had other serious illnesses such as heart disease or stroke then it can frequently be better not to be fitted with an artificial leg.