Prosthetic rehabilitation issues in the diabetic and dysvascular amputee.

Evaluation and management of diabetic and dysvascular patients with lower limb amputation begins with a thorough history and physical examination. A pre-prosthetic and prosthetic program of physical therapy, pain management, psychological assessment, and education helps patients resume functional mobility and gain acceptance of the limb loss. Physicians and prosthetic teams work together to design and prescribe the most appropriate prosthetic device for patients to reach maximal functional level. Careful monitoring of patients and a full understanding of patients' medical conditions help avoid complications and falls during rehabilitation. Long-term follow-up is necessary to assess fit and function of prosthetic devices.