A study has been made by questionnaire, personal examination and telephone interview of unilateral upper limb amputees seen at the Prince Henry Hospital, Australia between 1994 and 1997. There were 60 questionnaires posted. Replies were received from 46. Problems were noted in the remaining arm of 23 (50%). The respondents' problems not only consisted of overuse symptoms, but also of an exacerbation of pre-existing arthritis and injury due to trauma to the remaining arm during the accident. Case histories are given in 3 typical cases. Treating professionals are warned about the hazards that one arm amputations present to the remaining arm.
A follow-up study by questionnaire or interview has been made of the 27 respondents of 41 upper limb amputees (66%) treated at the Royal South Sydney Hospital between 1981 and 1990. Prosthetic use of 8 h/day or more was 37% and occasional use was 18.5%. The prosthetic users were more likely to be distal amputees. The reason for the low level of prosthetic use is not known. The majority of non-users discarded prostheses after leaving their rehabilitation programme. Occupational changes were made by 72% of the amputees. The unemployment rate at follow-up was similar to the rest of the community, which is a better outcome than 25 years ago. Activities of daily living had been affected in all patients, but to a lesser extent in prosthetic users. Leisure pursuits were changed in 70% of patients, with these activities being more sedentary and indoor in nature. Of the 18 car drivers, 15 drove automatic cars with modifications. Phantom pain was experienced by 16 of the respondents (59%) and stump pain was experienced by seven. Only 26% used medication or alcohol for the pain. Pain did not affect prosthetic use or functional ability.
The study suggests that upper limb amputees are significantly more likely to suffer post-amputation pain which is more frequent, longer lasting and more severe in intensity when compared to lower limb amputees. This is accompanied by reduced HR-QOL especially that related to bodily pain, social function and mental health. The overall health status of amputees are also significantly lower compared to the Australian population norm.
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