Fall Risk Reduction in Lower Extremity Amputees (Swanson - Online)

Course overview

Despite advances in prosthetic technology, falls continue to be a major health risk in the lower-extremity amputee population. Greater than 50% of the individuals in this population report at least one fall per year which can result in life-changing injuries with significant impacts on functional ambulation. This course will sort through the various risk factors that contribute to fall risk in the lower-extremity amputee population and identify interventions for each of these factors. Prosthetic issues that can contribute to fall risk will also be covered in this course. Many of these prosthetic dysfunctions will require referral to a prosthetist, but knowing when this is appropriate is paramount. Simple interventions that can have a positive effect on prosthetic dysfunction that can be performed by the physical therapist will also be covered.