Functional Outcomes of Elderly after Unilateral Diabetic Transtibial Amputation: A Case Report

: Foot ulceration is a major cause of morbidity in elderly with diabetes, as osteomyelitis and diabetic gangrene lead to amputation. After undergoing transtibial amputation, patients were referred to Rehabilitation Department for prosthesis prescription and rehabilitation to restore mobility and to successfully reintegrate the patient into community. This study aims to identify the current patient’s mobility, independence and mental status following amputations. This study was done between May 2017 and August 2018, four patients above 60 years old were referred to Medical Rehabilitation outpatient clinic as candidates of prosthesis use after unilateral transtibial diabetic amputations. Mobility status, Barthel Index, Mini Mental State Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale were evaluated through medical records and interview. Two patients who completed rehabilitation programs, ambulate with prostheses without obstacles and are mild dependent with current better mental status. Two patients who did not, are moderate dependent ambulating with wheelchair. In conclusion, patients who completed rehabilitation were more independent, ambulatory with prosthesis and have better mental status. Factors such as social living conditions, initial cognitive and independence levels may be considered as functional outcome predictors. Further investigation with better method and larger sample size is needed.