The majority of amputations in the western world today are due to vascular disease. Despite the advances in surgical treatment of this disease, particularly by reconstruction, it is a sad fact that the number of amputations performed in these countries each year for vascular disease is increasing. Most of these amputees are elderly and their life expectancy is short, so it is important that the treatment and rehabilitation that they receive is informed, appropriate, efficient and swift to enable them to return successfully to life in the community for their remaining years. Management of this...