Comparison of satisfaction with current prosthetic care in veterans and servicemembers from Vietnam and OIF/OEF conflicts with major traumatic limb loss.
Prosthetic care is a vital aspect of healthcare and rehabilitation for veterans and servicemembers with major traumatic limb loss. Our survey queried 581 veterans and servicemembers with limb loss from the Vietnam and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) conflicts. Among survey participants, 78.2% from the Vietnam conflict and 90.5% from the OIF/OEF conflict currently use prosthetic devices. In Vietnam respondents, 78% received prosthetic care from private sources, 16% from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prosthetic laboratories, 0.9% from Department of Defense (DOD), and 5% from multiple sources. In OIF/OEF respondents, 42% received prosthetic care from private sources, 9% percent from VA, 39% from DOD, and 10% from multiple sources. Participants identified their satisfaction with current prosthetic devices and prosthetic services. Reports of pain, sweating, skin irritation, and problems with socket fit continue to be significant issues for participants from both conflicts regardless of level of amputation or site of service. In those with upper-limb loss who used myoelectric prostheses, minimal effect on prosthesis use and satisfaction was noted. Among lower-limb loss participants from both conflicts, notable differences existed in prosthesis satisfaction by source of care.
Berke
Gary M
GM
gmberke@gmail.com
Fergason
John
J
Milani
John R
JR
Hattingh
John
J
McDowell
Martin
M
Nguyen
Viet
V
Reiber
Gayle E
GE
D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011788:Quality of Life; D014481:United States; D059030:United States Department of Defense; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014728:Veterans; D047829:Vietnam Conflict; D055815:Young Adult