Postoperative management of lower extremity amputations.

Postoperative management of the lower extremity amputation continues to evolve as a crucial first step in amputee rehabilitation. Although the major goals of early rehabilitation remain fairly constant, external forces continually pressure the rehabilitation team to complete these goals within shorter time frames. The atmosphere of rapid rehabilitation for amputees stresses return to normal function as quickly as possible. Early ambulation is the obvious goal for most new amputees.