Upper-limb prosthetics: critical factors in device abandonment

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Upper-limb prosthesis use is influenced by a complex interplay of personal, technological, and resource-related factors.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing prosthesis abandonment rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the roles of predisposing characteristics, established need, and enabling resources in upper-limb prosthesis use and abandonment.
• To identify key factors contributing to successful prosthesis adoption versus rejection.

Main Methods:

• A self-administered, anonymous survey was distributed online and in paper format.
• Two hundred forty-two participants with upper-limb absence completed the survey, covering various demographics and limb loss levels.

Main Results:

• Twenty percent of participants had abandoned prosthesis use.
• Predisposing factors (limb absence level, origin, gender, bilaterality) and technology (comfort, function) significantly influenced abandonment.
• Perceived need was a predominant factor in prosthesis use, while healthcare access and training quality had less impact, except for fitting time and client involvement.

Conclusions:

• Future research should prioritize developing more comfortable and functional prostheses, especially for high-level or bilateral limb absence.
• Improving follow-up, repair, and information services is recommended.
• Active client involvement in prosthesis selection is crucial for meeting individual goals and needs.