Limb deficiency and prosthetic management. 4. Comorbidities associated with limb loss

This self-directed learning module highlights common comorbidities found in people with amputations and their impact on functional outcome. It is part of the study guide on limb deficiency and vascular rehabilitation in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article focuses on prosthetic considerations, functional outcome, and potential complications for a woman with the comorbidities of stroke and diabetes who experiences a dysvascular amputation. Formulation of the differential diagnosis, management of limb pain, and evaluation of the potential psychosocial issues arising after amputation are also discussed. Overall Article Objective: To analyze common comorbidities of people with amputations and to delineate their impact on functional outcome.