Related Experiment Videos
Upper limb amputations in southern Finland 1984-85
1Invalid Foundation Orthopaedic Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Annales Chirurgiae Et Gynaecologiae
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Upper limb amputations in southern Finland primarily affect working-age men due to trauma. This study analyzed amputation rates and characteristics to inform prosthetic rehabilitation planning.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Epidemiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Amputee statistics are crucial for effective prosthetic rehabilitation planning.
- Understanding the epidemiology of upper limb amputations is essential for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological situation of upper limb amputations in southern Finland.
- To provide data for planning prosthetic rehabilitation services for amputee patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective data collection of all limb amputations at Helsinki University Central Hospital catchment area (1984-1985).
- Analysis of patient demographics, amputation level, incidence rates, and causes.
Main Results:
- 52 upper limb amputations occurred over two years; 6 major amputations (requiring prosthetics) and 46 distal to the carpal joint.
- Overall upper limb amputation rate: 2.2/100,000; major amputation rate: 0.3/100,000 annually.
- Typical amputee: working-age male (62% aged 20-59); trauma (61%, often occupational) was the leading cause.
Conclusions:
- Upper limb amputations are infrequent, with major amputations even rarer (20-30 cases annually in Finland).
- Concentrating prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation for upper limb amputees at specialized centers is recommended for efficiency.