Patient Care

According to the National Limb Loss Information Center, there are approximately 1.9 million people living in the United States with limb loss. In Nebraska, there are nearly 8,800 persons with amputation living in the state (Nebraska census data). The National Limb Loss Information Center presents the following national data:

• 82% of amputations are due to vascular disease. This number grew 27% between 1988 and 1996

• 97% of all amputations due to vascular disease involve the leg: 26% above the knee, 28% below the knee, and the remaining percentage other levels, such as a toe or the foot.

• Traumatic amputations have declined over the past 20 years. A large majority (69%) of trauma related amputations involve the arm.

• Amputations as a result of cancer have also declined and more commonly involve the leg.

Madonna's Amputation Program offers inpatient and outpatient care for persons with all types of amputation who are medically stable and have potential to make functional improvement.

Volumes: During its most recent fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, Madonna served a total of 45 inpatients and 14 new outpatients with amputation. Of the inpatients served, 39 (87%) had leg amputations and the remaining 6 (13%) had arm amputations. A majority of the patients (33) were served on the Acute Rehabilitation Hospital, but a smaller number (10)were served on the Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) and (2)on the Transitional Care Unit (TCU).

Characteristics: The average age of patients with amputations served on AR was 65 years old. They were admitted 11 days post-operatively and stayed an average of 13 days. The average age of patients with amputations served on LTACH and SAR combined was 59 years old. They were admitted 20 days post-operatively and stayed an average of 34 days. For many of these individuals, the focus of their inpatient care is wound healing.