Volpicelli et al developed a scale for describing the mobility of a patient with bilateral lower extremity amputations. The authors are from Rancho Los Amigos Hospital in Downey, California.
Major classes:
(1) community ambulator
(2) independent household ambulator
(3) dependent household ambulator
(4) restricted ambulator
Within each class there are unlimited and limited subgroups.
Features of community ambulator:
(1) may use a wheelchair for traveling long distance
(2) may use cane or crutches
(3) independent on stairs without rails, curbs, rough terrain and public transportation
Features of independent household ambulator:
(1) may use a wheelchair for outside the house
(2) may use a cane, crutches or walker
(3) independent on stairs with rails, carpet and chairs
(4) dependent on stairs without rails, curbs, rough terrain and public transportation
Features of the dependent household ambulator:
(1) may use wheelchair around the house
(2) may use a cane, crutches or walker
(3) may need assistance with stairs, traversing carpet or chairs
|
Major Class |
Subclass |
Defining Feature |
Grade |
|
community |
unlimited |
can walk >= 5 blocks with prostheses |
VI |
|
community |
limited |
can walk 1-5 blocks with prostheses |
V |
|
independent household |
unlimited |
can walk >= 100 feet (30.5 meters) with prostheses |
IV |
|
independent household |
limited |
can walk < 100 feet (30.5 meters) with prostheses |
III |
|
dependent household |
supervised household |
needs human assistance for limited ambulation about the house |
II |
|
restricted |
wheelchair |
uses wheelchair for mobility at all times; able to propel wheelchair and to transfer self with prostheses |
I |
|
restricted |
bedridden (in wheelchair) |
sits in wheelchair but unable to transfer self with prostheses or propel wheelchair (unable to independently use wheelchair) |
0 |
|
restricted |
bedridden |
confined to bed |
0 |
Purpose: To evaluate the level of ambulation achieved by a patient with bilateral lower extremity amputations using the scale of Volpicelli et al.
Specialty: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Objective: severity, prognosis, stage, disability and performance
ICD-10: S78, S88, S98, T05.3, T05.4, T05.5, T05.6,
