Function after lower limb amputation.

Functional ability and social dependence were investigated by personal interview of 107 lower limb amputees surviving 1-5 years postoperatively. Among eight independent variables studied by multiple regression analysis, increased age was associated unfavorably with physical ability and social dependence. Independence from social provisions preoperatively showed favorable relationships with functional capacity and postoperative dependence. Above-knee or bilateral amputation and postoperative pain were associated with reduced functional ability, but not with social dependence. No significant association was found with cause of operation or sex of the amputees. The importance of proper prosthetic fitting and pain control is emphasized.