GOALS:

• To describe the critical decision points in the management of lower-limb amputation
• To provide a clear and comprehensive guideline incorporating current evidence and practices for practitioners throughout the Veterans Health Administration and Department of Defense healthcare systems
• To improve local management of patients with lower-limb amputation to improve patient outcome

Version 1.0
August 2007

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and The Department of Defense (DoD) guidelines are based upon the best information available at the time of publication.  They are designed to provide information and assist decision-making.  They are not intended to define a standard of care, and should not be construed as one.  Neither should they be interpreted as prescribing an exclusive course of management.

Variations in practice will inevitably and appropriately occur when clinicians take into account the needs of individual patients, available resources, and limitations unique to an institution or type of practice.  Every healthcare professional making use of these guidelines is responsible for evaluating the appropriateness of applying them in the setting of any particular clinical situation.