Patients with lower limb amputations need the help of a multi-professional care team. There is no single professional who encompasses the skills required by patients who generally present multiple pathologies: skills in the care of wounds which are often dehiscent, knowledge of prosthetics, considering the fast evolving technologies in the field, psychological skills, essential to help the patient face their somatic conditions and resultant changes in body image. The physiatrist manages a care team which must prioritise treatments and intervention methods, and define practicable objectives in both the short and long term. The article details the basic principles to be followed for each patient so as to not overlook any of the aspects which combine to create a process which is neither simple nor quick, and focuses on the first parts of the treatment, from admittance until the choice of the temporary prosthesis.