Amputation is the general term describing a condition of disability resulting from the deliberate surgical removal of a body part, limb or part of a limb (Bowker &Michael, 1992). Limb loss can be a congenital condition, the result of a traumatic injury, or a surgical procedure to treat a disease (Clawson, 2009). Clawson hypothesizes that most amputations in the United States are the result of vascular disease caused by diabetes (p. 393). In cases of traumatic amputation, adjustment and adjustment are more difficult than for people who have had time to prepare, as can happen with diabetes. Amputations can be performed at any level in the upper extremity such as the fingers, hand or arm, or in the lower extremity such as the toe, foot or leg. Amputation is a life-altering emotional event that most often results from illness or trauma (Hanley et al., 2004). Adequate rehabilitation is a vital element in helping people with lower limb amputations learn to walk and function again and live high-quality lives. Literature Review In the United States, most amputations are performed to treat complications of peripheral vascular disease; the largest numbers involve the lower limbs (Clawson, 2009). According to Bowker and Michael (1992), disease is the most frequent reason for amputation in adults aged 50 years and older, while trauma is the usual cause of amputation in younger individuals. Marshall and Stansby (2008) include malignancy, acute or chronic uncontrollable infection, congenital deformity, “useless” limb (usually due to neurological injury), and chronic pain as other common reasons for amputation (p. 21). Amputation may be major (most of the limb removed… middle of paper… 2010). Amputation. In J. Stone and M. Bloouin (eds.), International Encyclopedia of Rehabilitation. Retrieved from http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/encyclopedia/en/article/251/Marshall, C., & Stansby, G. (2008). Amputation. Surgery,26(1), 21-24. doi: 10.1016/j.mpsur.2007.10.011Murray, C. D. (2009). Amputation, prosthetic use and phantom limb pain: an interdisciplinary perspective. New York: Springer. Saradjian, A., Thompson, R. A., & Dipak, D. (2008). The experience of men using an upper limb prosthesis after amputation: Positive coping and minimizing feeling different. Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation, 30(11), 871-883. doi: 10.1080/09638280701427386Yetzer, E. A., Kauffman, G., Sopp, F., & Tally, L. (1994). Development of a patient education program for new amputees. Rehabilitation Nursing, 19, 163-168. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7855404