Amputation

Rehabilitation after an amputation will be different for everyone, depending on what limb you have had removed.

Types of amputation

There are 2 types of amputation. 

• Amputating the upper limb involves removing the arm above where the sarcoma is found. Amputation of the arm is usually advised if the arm cannot be saved.
• Amputating the lower limb involves removing the leg above where the sarcoma is found. Amputation of the leg is usually advised when the leg cannot be saved.

Before your amputation  

Before your amputation, you may have an appointment with members of your rehabilitation team.  

We understand that preparing for surgery can be a scary time. This pre-amputation appointment is an opportunity for you to ask any questions or discuss any concerns you have ahead of the surgery. They can talk you through what you’ll physically be able to do after surgery.  

It also gives the rehabilitation team an opportunity to learn about you and make any early referrals to local services if needed.  

It will also be a chance to find out if you can get a prosthetic limb. A prosthetic limb, sometimes known as a prosthesis or artificial limb, is a metal or plastic limb that replaces your amputated limb. It’s important to know that not everyone with an amputation can have a prosthetic limb.  

After your amputation  

Occupational therapy for amputation  

You might see an occupational therapist (OT) after your amputation. They will work with you on the ward to make sure you can manage your day-to-day activities. This might include getting dressed, showering, or going to the toilet.  

An OT can also help you by:

• showing you techniques to be more independent  
• recommending equipment to help you at home  
• giving you advice about returning to work or school  
• giving you advice about returning to driving 
• helping you return to usual leisure activities  
• giving you advice about pacing yourself in activities  
• giving you advice on caring for the remaining limb, for example how to protect your joints from strain, pain or more damage. 

Your OT can help you think about how your amputation might change different areas of your life, and they’ll help you to manage this.  

If your amputation was in your legs, your first mobility aid will be a wheelchair while you’re learning to walk again. The hospital will provide this. Your OT will show you how to use a wheelchair and can make a referral for you to get a wheelchair at home too. 

Your OT will also give you advice on managing any swelling. They can also give you advice on scar management which you can begin once the wound is fully healed.  

Physiotherapy for upper limb amputation 

You may also see a physiotherapist who will help you to walk around safely after the amputation and help with any difficulties you may have with your balance.  

If you were using a walking aid, they may need to make some changes or give you a different piece of equipment to use after the amputation. They may also give you some exercises to help maintain movement in your affected areas.

Physiotherapy for lower limb amputation 

You’ll see a physiotherapist the day after the operation. They will then start teaching you some simple exercises to prevent tightness in the muscles and stiffness in the joints.

If you feel well and your pain is controlled, you will get out of bed either the first or second day after your operation with the help of the physiotherapist or the occupational therapist. If you have had a hip disarticulation or trans-pelvic amputation it may take a few days longer to get out of bed.

Your physiotherapist will help you to use crutches or a frame as appropriate and teach you how to stay balanced and prevent falls. They’ll also teach you how to get up and down stairs safely if this is appropriate for you.   

Once your dressings have been removed your physiotherapist will measure and fit a compression sock. Wearing this will help to reduce swelling where you had the amputation. 

After leaving hospital   

Most people go home 10 to 14 days after the amputation, although it is different for everyone. If you have a hip disarticulation or trans-pelvic amputation, your stay in hospital may be longer.   

If you can have an artificial limb, you will be referred to a limb fitting centre. You’ll have a full assessment at the limb fitting centre, this can be a few weeks after the referral or after you finish chemotherapy.