[Rehabilitation of diabetic patients, amputated because of vascular disease. Angiology and vascular surgery services, 1995].

A descriptive and retrospective study of 95 patients from the "Ambrosio Grillo" and "Saturnino Lora" Hospitals, in Santiago de Cuba, was conducted between January and December, 1995, aimed at showing the rehabilitation of the diabetic patients, who have had a limb amputated due to vascular disease. These patients are a sample of the universe of lower limb amputees as a results of vascular disease. Diabetes mellitus increased the affection of the distal arterial arbor, which explains its high incidence among amputeez. The amputation of a lower limb is very significant for a patient, and it is considered as the final stage of the treatment since the patient's life is in danger due to a severe generalized sepsis of the extremity. General data from the medical histories, variables of interest as clinical data, risk factors, socioeconomic data, occupational category, and foot care were taken into consideration. Most of the patients were 60-70. Females prevailed and the time of evolution of diabetes mellitus was over 10 years. The rehabilitation activities include the psychical, physical and social aspects, and are carried out by a specialized working group.