2,524
Views
145
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Papers

Prosthesis rejection in acquired major upper-limb amputees: a population-based survey

, , , , &
Pages 294-303 | Received 03 Feb 2011, Accepted 23 Oct 2011, Published online: 23 Nov 2011
 

Abstract

Purpose: To estimate the rates of primary and secondary prosthesis rejection in acquired major upper-limb amputees (ULAs), to describe the most frequently reported reasons for rejection and to estimate the influence of background factors on the risk of rejection. Method: Cross-sectional study analysing population-based questionnaire data (n = 224). Effects were analysed by logistic regression analyses and Cox regression analyses. Results: Primary prosthesis rejection was found in 4.5% whereas 13.4% had discontinued prosthesis use. The main reasons reported for primary non-wear were a perceived lack of need and discrepancies between perceived need and the prostheses available. The main reasons reported for secondary prosthesis rejection were dissatisfaction with prosthetic comfort, function and control. Primary prosthesis rejection was more likely in ULAs amputated at high age and in ULAs with proximal amputations. Secondary prosthesis rejection was more likely in proximal ULAs and in women. Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of rejection in proximal ULAs, elderly ULAs and in women. Emphasising individual needs will probably facilitate successful prosthetic fitting. Improved prosthesis quality and individualised prosthetic training may increase long-term prosthesis use. Further studies of the effect of prosthetic training and of the reasons for rejection of different prosthetic types are suggested.

Implications for Rehabilitation

  • Most acquired major upper-limb amputees (ULAs) are fitted with prostheses after the amputation.

  • This population-based study shows that proximal ULAs, elderly ULAs and women have an increased risk of prosthesis rejection.

  • Emphasising individual needs may facilitate successful prosthetic fitting.

  • Improved prosthesis quality and individualised prosthetic training may increase long-term prosthesis use.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. Our work was funded in part by Innlandet Hospital Trust and in part by the Norwegian Extra Foundation for Health and Rehabilitation.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.