AB078. SOH24AB_102. Rate of successful prosthetic rehabilitation post-major lower extremity amputation at tertiary vascular centre

Background: Ambulation with a prosthetic limb after major lower extremity amputation (MLEA) is central to restoring function and maintaining independence. However, not all patients are suitable candidates for prosthetic rehabilitation or successfully complete the programme. We performed a retrospective review of recent MLEA to determine rates of ambulation at one-year post-surgery. Methods: Retrospective review of major amputations performed at tertiary vascular centre between July 2019–November 2022. Cases were identified from the theatre logbooks. Demographic details, indication for surgery, comorbidities, discharge disposition and rehabilitation outcomes were documented using electronic records and manual chart review. Statistical analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for successful rehabilitation. Results: Fifty-six amputations were performed in 50 patients during the study period. The median age was 62.5 years (range: 27–85 years) and 75.5% were male. Thirty-three above-knee amputations (AKA) and 23 below-knee amputations (BKA) were performed. The majority were performed for ischaemia (66%). Twenty-eight patients (58%) were referred to the Prosthetic Orthotics and Limb Absence Rehabilitation (POLAR) programme, of whom eleven (39%) were ambulating at one year. Of the remaining referrals, seven are continuing with rehab, one turned down a prosthetic, six were ultimately unsuitable and data was unavailable for three. AKA (P<0.001), male gender (P=0.016), congestive cardiac failure (P=0.035) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (P=0.038) were significantly associated with failure to rehabilitate. Conclusions: Post-amputation rehabilitation is critically important for patients. Out of those referred to POLAR, just under half are successfully mobilising with a prosthetic. Further study is needed to investigate factors impacting successful ambulation.