South Africa · Patient information

Amputation care & amputee support in South Africa

An amputation is surgery to remove all or part of a limb. Recovery may involve wound care, pain management, rehabilitation and assessment for an artificial limb. Each person’s care plan is different.

From amputation recovery to prosthetic assessment

Start with your treating hospital or clinic for wound care and rehabilitation advice after limb loss. If limb replacement is being considered, ask about referral for a prosthetic assessment. THUBSMED’s registry records your need and allows authorised providers to document clinical notes, referrals and your care journey; it does not replace your treating team.

Prosthetic assessment and limb replacement in South Africa

What is an amputation?

Amputation may remove part of a foot, a leg, a hand or an arm. Reasons can include serious injury, severe infection or poor blood supply, sometimes associated with diabetes. Your treating team can explain the reason for your surgery and what it means for your recovery.

A below-knee amputation is also called transtibial; an above-knee amputation is called transfemoral. The level of limb loss affects rehabilitation and the prosthetic options that may be considered.

Care after an amputation

Your treating team guides wound care, dressings, pain relief and safe movement. Follow their individual instructions and discuss any pain, changes in your wound or difficulties with daily activities.

Amputee rehabilitation and everyday life

Rehabilitation can support movement, strength and daily activities. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other professionals may help you work towards your goals. Emotional and practical support can also be part of recovery.

After a leg amputation, rehabilitation may include safe transfers, balance and mobility with an appropriate walking aid or wheelchair. If a prosthetic leg is suitable, later training may help with using it. After an arm amputation, occupational therapy may focus on everyday tasks and adapting activities.

When is a prosthetic limb considered?

A prosthetic assessment considers healing, health, the amputation level and your goals. Not everyone uses a prosthesis. The clinical team helps decide whether a device is suitable and when fitting may be appropriate.

Explore prosthetic limbs

Register an amputation or prosthetic need

Patients and authorised healthcare providers can record a need in the national registry. Include the province and district, amputation level, current mobility, existing device and whether you need a first prosthesis, replacement socket or repair. A healthcare provider can add clinical notes and review the care journey.

Personal and health information is not published on these search pages. Registration requires consent; clinical records remain behind sign-in.

Common questions about amputation

How long does recovery after amputation take?: There is no single recovery time. Healing, health, rehabilitation needs and your goals all matter. Your treating team should guide the timing of activity and prosthetic assessment.
Does every amputee need an artificial limb?: No. A prosthesis is one option, and not everyone uses one. Your team can assess whether a prosthetic limb, walking aid, wheelchair or another form of support fits your needs.
What is phantom limb pain?: Some people feel sensations or pain in the missing part of a limb. Discuss this with your treating team so they can assess your symptoms and advise on care.
Can I register from any province?: The THUBSMED registry accepts needs across South Africa’s nine provinces. This records your need; it does not guarantee local service availability, funding or an appointment.

Prosthetic legs, artificial arms and limb replacement