Preoperative clinical factors predict postoperative functional outcomes after major lower limb amputation: an analysis of 553 consecutive patients.

Background: Despite being a major determinant of functional independence, ambulation after major limb amputation has not been well studied. The purpose, therefore, of this study was to investigate the relationship between a variety of preoperative clinical characteristics and postoperative functional outcomes in order to formulate treatment recommendations for patients requiring major lower limb amputation.

Methods: From January 1998 through December 2003, 627 major limb amputations (37.