Experiences of rehabilitation of adults undergoing limb reconstruction
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiences of rehabilitation of adults undergoing lower limb reconstruction with an external circular frame following trauma
IRAS ID
174088
Contact name
Mary Jane Cole
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Since the introduction of Major Trauma Centres across the UK in 2010, people who are involved in traumatic incidents are receiving the urgent specialist care required in a more timely manner. One of the areas of development has been in the treatment of severe lower leg injuries. Previously patients may have needed an amputation, however, more people who have severe lower leg trauma are now able to be treated using a surgical technique called external fixation. This involves a metal frame being placed around the leg to stabilise severe fractures and help with healing bone and soft tissues.
However, this must be in place for several months meaning that people must learn to adapt and cope with a bulky frame in everyday life. There is a small body of research conducted with other patients, such as adolescents with bony cancers or congenital limb deformities, that indicate that patients find resuming their usual activities of daily living and mobility difficult as well as feeling lonely or self-conscious.
This research project aims to understand the experiences of adults who have circular frames on their legs after trauma. A qualitative study design has been chosen to develop an understanding of how people manage their usual activities and roles. Using semi-structured interviews, it will also explore the type of rehabilitation services received by people, the perceived benefits and challenges experienced when using these services and what is important to people whilst they recover and rehabilitate. It is hoped that this information will help to improve rehabilitation pathways and services for trauma patients who require treatment with external circular frames.
The project is not funded and is being completed by the researcher as part fulfilment of a MSc (Rehabilitation) course.REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0724
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion