View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
more <strong>of</strong>these respondents were from the suburban area they would be the same as those<br />
in rural areas, where there are no rehabilitation services. They will be forced to go to the<br />
urban health services.<br />
5.3 SECfION B: TYPES OF INJURIES SUSTAINED<br />
Knowledge <strong>of</strong> the type <strong>of</strong> injury sustained helps in the rehabilitation <strong>of</strong> the amputees,<br />
therefore inclusion <strong>of</strong>this section was found to be essential.<br />
5.3.1 ITEM 4 TI'PES OF INJURIES SUSTAINED<br />
TABLES.] TI'PES OF INJURIES SUSTAINED<br />
Types <strong>of</strong>Injury Frequency Percentage<br />
Upper Limb Amputee 4 16%<br />
Lower Limb Amputee 21 84%<br />
Total 25 100%<br />
. '.<br />
Table 53 shows that there were (21) 84% lower limb amputees as compared to (4) 16%<br />
upper limb amputees. This indicates that there are more lower limb amputees than upper<br />
limb amputees, the reason being that the lower limbs are most commonly injured in<br />
accidents either by being a driver, passenger or pedestrian. Vascular disorders are also<br />
common in the lower limbs. Amongst the upper limb amputees, three were caused by<br />
gunshot injuries and one amputee was assaulted with a bush knife. The lower limb<br />
amputees require extensive rehabilitation even at home, which causes a problem as there<br />
are no rehabilitation services in the community. Vitali (1996:5) stresses that rehabilitation<br />
should focus on the use <strong>of</strong>the person's remaining abilities to achieve the highest level <strong>of</strong><br />
independence.<br />
43