FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF UPPER LIMB AMPUTEES

Aim : T o assess the functional outcome of Upper Limb Amputees. Design : Descriptive Cohort study. Materials and Methods : 30 Upper limb amputees who have registered for Hand Transplantation were called for follow-up. Using data from Medical Records and by an interview a proforma was filled. Results : Majority of the amputees (64%) were independent in all activities of daily living. 23% were partially dependent on their family for bathing and dressing. The bilateral amputees were fully dependent for their ADL. Symptoms of overuse injury like shoulder pain and wrist pain in the unaffected limb was reported by 9 patients (30%). 5 Patients were students and they are continuing their studies 8 Patients (26% ) are continuing the same occupation, 8 Patients (26% ) have changed their occupation following the amputation. 9 Patients (30%) have stopped working and are supported by their family members. Phantom pain was experienced by 20 patients (66%) and stump pain by 14 patients (46%). 70% of the amputees especially children and young adults perused their leisure activities. Prosthesis use of 8hrs/day was noted in 9 patients (30%) who were distal amputees using only a cosmetic prosthesis. Majority of the amputees, 57% have discarded their prosthesis after about a month’s time