Return to Work and Employment after Lower Limb Amputation: A Narrative Review

Returning to work (RTW) and employment after lower limb amputation (LLA) is an important milestone in restoring function. This review summarizes the epidemiology and etiology of LLA, rates of RTW among persons with LLA, factors associated with RTW, and key facilitators and barriers related to RTW.

Various factors have been associated with RTW after LLA, whether traumatic (E.g. workplace injury) or nontraumatic (E.g. diabetes) in etiology. These factors include demographics, medical and rehabilitative variables and workplace factors. Rehabilitative and vocational support strategies can promote successful RTW and employment outcomes.

Clinicians must recognize the variable rates of RTW that arise from traumatic and nontraumatic LLA. This review demonstrates that demographic, medical/rehabilitative and workplace factors influence RTW and employment outcomes after LLA. Recognition of factors influencing RTW after LLA is critical during rehabilitation to optimize functional and vocational outcomes.