Lower limps amputation and physiotherapy rehabilitation at the National Authority for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Sudan

Faiza Hussein; Nusaiba  Omer; Wafaa  Shargawi; Hassan Abdelnour

doi:10.71357/hsij.vi.110

Authors

Faiza Hussein Physiotherapy Department, School of Health Sciences, Ahfad University for Women (AUW), Omdurman, Sudan.
Nusaiba Omer Physiotherapy Department, School of Health Sciences, Ahfad University for Women (AUW), Omdurman, Sudan
Wafaa Shargawi Physiotherapy Department, School of Health Sciences, Ahfad University for Women (AUW), Omdurman, Sudan
Hassan Abdelnour Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jerash University, Jerash, Jordan. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9873-5966

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71357/hsij.vi.110

Keywords:

Amputation, Lower limb, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, National Authority for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Each year, approximately 150,000 individuals in the United States undergo lower extremity amputations. In Sudan, a range of rehabilitation services for amputation patients is offered through organizations in both governmental and public sectors. The National Authority for Prosthetics and Orthotics (NAPO) adopts a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach to help amputation patients achieve independence in their daily lives.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and experience of lower limb amputees regarding physiotherapy rehabilitation at the NAPO institution.

Method: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design involving 81 participants at NAPO. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire comprising 29 questions. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel. All ethical considerations were thoroughly upheld.

Results: A total of 74.1% of participants had diabetes mellitus, which was the main cause of amputation. Transtibial amputation was performed in 65.4% of the study population. For 44.4% of participants, the rehabilitation program started 6–12 months after surgery. A total of 88.9% of respondents did not perform any form of exercise before amputation surgery. Additionally, 65.4% of participants did not perform any self-management of their lower limb amputation scar at home. A total of 59.3% of participants perceived physiotherapy rehabilitation at NAPO as more effective than physiotherapy rehabilitation at home.

Conclusion: The multidisciplinary rehabilitation program implemented at NAPO for lower limb amputees has proven to be highly effective. However, greater emphasis should be placed on pre-amputation rehabilitation, delayed post-amputation physiotherapy rehabilitation, addressing patients' psychological well-being, and providing education on home care and exercise routines.

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