Adjustment to finger amputation and silicone finger prosthesis use

Abstract

Purpose: Finger amputations are the most common amputations of upper limbs. They influence hand function, general functioning and quality of life. One of the possibilities for rehabilitation after finger amputation is fitting a silicone finger prosthesis. We wanted to evaluate the adjustment to amputation and prosthesis use in patients after finger amputation.

Methods: We included 42 patients with partial or complete single or multiple finger amputation of one hand who visited the outpatient clinic for prosthetics and orthotics at our institute and received a silicone prosthesis. We assessed their adjustment to amputation and prosthesis with the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES).

Results: Most of the patients (28, 67%) had a single finger amputated. The average scores on all TAPES subscales (except adjustment to limitation) were above 50% of the maximum possible score. On average, the scores were the highest on the general adjustment and satisfaction with the prosthesis subscales.

Conclusions: Silicone prostheses for finger amputation of upper limb play an important role in the process of adaptation to amputation. They offer aesthetically satisfying results and alleviate social interactions, which influences overall quality of life.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Silicone prostheses for finger amputation of upper limb offer an aesthetically satisfying result and alleviate problems with social interactions.

• Their influence on hand function is not optimal, but the prosthesis improves the amputee's quality of life.

Keywords:

• Finger amputation
• prosthesis
• trinity amputation and prosthesis experience scales
• adjustment to amputation

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to all the patients who participated in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.