Abstract
Objective:This report aims to discuss the therapeutic and tertiary prevention effects of physical therapy through a case study of a patient who developed peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes in the non-amputated limb, even after undergoing lower leg amputation at an acute care hospital due to peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Case description and Methods: A 48-year-old male underwent right lower leg amputation due to arteriosclerosis obliterans and was transferred to a recovery phase rehabilitation hospital. Although there was no significant muscle weakness or limited joint range of motion initially, walking with a prosthetic limb was difficult. The goal was to achieve prosthetic walking at a jogging level, focusing on balance and walking exercises to adapt to the body’s asymmetry caused by amputation. Until the prosthetic limb was ready, weight-bearing exercises were performed on the residual limb (stump), and after completion, walking exercises were implemented.
Results: The patient had capable of walking and running with the prosthetic limb and ascending/descending stairs one step at a time.
Discussio: It was considered that the acquisition of high walking ability contributes to increased physical activity and avoidance of overuse of the non-amputee limb, and ultimately reducing of the risk of re-amputation.
