title: Prosthetic usage in major upper extremity amputations.
abstract: Patterns of use of contemporary prostheses by 135 patients with major upper extremity amputations were evaluated by questionnaire. Eighty-four percent of the patients were male and 16% were female. Amputation levels represented were below elbow, 44%; above elbow, 40%; and shoulder disarticulations or forequarter amputations, 16%. The follow-up interval averaged 12 years (range, 1-67 years). One hundred and thirteen patients were fitted with either a myoelectric or body-powered prosthesis. The overall rejection rate was 38%. Thirty-nine of 42 in the below-elbow amputation group used the prosthesis and appeared to benefit the most. Eight of 141 in the wrist disarticulation group used the prosthesis: as did 9 of 21 in the above-elbow amputation group. In contrast, all bilateral amputees used their prostheses. Stiff shoulders and brachial plexus injury were both predictors for poor prosthetic usage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Hagen
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D000674:Amputees / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001132:Arm; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors