Patient Experiences of Life Years After Severe Civilian Lower Extremity Trauma With Vascular Injury

Despite substantial physical, psychological, and cosmetic impairments years after severe lower limb trauma, the participants described life as “normal” and mainly satisfactory. Transition to the new situation could have been facilitated by more frequent and continuous follow up after discharge from hospital, in particular among the non-amputated patients who tend to be lost to follow up. Findings also indicate that family members have to be acknowledged, strengthened, and supported.