An evaluation of the use made of cosmetic and functional prostheses by unilateral upper limb amputees.
There is currently a distinction drawn between a prosthesis considered to be provided for purely cosmetic reasons and a functional prosthesis provided to enable the amputee to achieve basic hand function. Using video analysis the study reported in this paper demonstrates that for non-manipulative actions cosmetic prostheses are actively used in the performance of everyday tasks as frequently as functional prostheses. The study provides evidence for a cosmetic prosthesis to be presented to an amputee as a realistic initial prosthesis and not as the option of last resort if a functional prosthesis is rejected. It is also recommended that training is provided in the use of cosmetic prostheses in two-handed tasks.
Fraser
C M
CM
Occupational Therapy Services, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK. cf13@cam.ac.uk
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001132:Arm; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged