Postoperative rehabilitation after lower limb amputation due to peripheral arterial disease: scoping review
Abstract
Objective
Lower-limb amputation due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) predominantly affects older adults with multiple comorbidities, resulting in high postoperative complication rates, limited functional recovery, and adaptation challenges. Optimized rehabilitation is essential to restore mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Methods
We conducted a scoping review to map the rehabilitation interventions for individuals undergoing lower limb amputation due to PAD during the postoperative period. The review adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. The protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF). A comprehensive search was carried out in Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science, SciELO, SPORTDiscus, and MedicLatina, complemented by gray literature (Google Scholar, MedNar, Open Access Scientific Repositories of Portugal [RCAAP]). No language or date restrictions were applied. Two independent reviewers screened records, resolving disagreements through a third reviewer.
Results
Of the 351 records screened, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. The interventions identified in the immediate postoperative phase included early mobilization, structured rehabilitation protocols, pain management strategies, strengthening and balance exercises, wound care, and psychosocial support. Reported outcomes encompassed functional independence, hospital length of stay, prosthetic adaptation, and complication rates.
Conclusions
Early, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation is essential to optimize recovery in patients with PAD-related lower limb amputations. High-quality trials with standardized interventions and consistent outcome measures are urgently required to improve mobility, independence, prosthetic success, and overall quality of life in this vulnerable population.
© 2026 Isabel Margarida Silva Costa dos Santos, Isabel de Jesus Oliveira, Vitor Sérgio de Oliveira Parola, published by Shanxi Medical Periodical Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.