The pneumatic post-amputation mobility aid in geriatric rehabilitation.

Several disadvantages of rigid temporary dressings for geriatric amputees led to the trial of a relatively new kind of pylon--the Pneumatic Post-Amputation Mobility Aid (PPAM). Thirty-five geriatric amputees who were referred to a geriatric rehabilitation hospital participated in the study. Thirty-three of these patients learned to walk with the device easily and safety. The below-knee amputees achieved independent gait with a walker as early as their second treatment. The above-knee and the double below-knee amputees required closer supervision. The inexpensive price of the PPAM, its handiness, the possibility of treating several patients with the same device, and the lack of negative side effects, point to the advantages of this kind of pylon for geriatric patients.