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Psychological effects of traumatic upper-limb amputations.
Germain Pomares1, Henry Coudane2, François Dap3
1Institut européen de la main, hôpital Kirchberg, 9, rue Edward-Steichen, 2540 Luxembourg city, Luxembourg.
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery & Research : OTSR
|March 18, 2020
Summary
Traumatic upper-limb amputation can lead to pathological grief, with risk factors including failed replantation and specific amputation types. Early screening and support are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Psychological impact of trauma
- Clinical psychology
- Amputation recovery
Background:
- Investigating pathological grief in traumatic upper-limb amputation survivors.
- Identifying risk factors associated with developing pathological grief.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the prevalence of pathological grief in adults with traumatic upper-limb amputations.
- Identify surgical, personal, occupational, and subjective risk factors for pathological grief.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective clinical study over 11 years.
- Utilized a questionnaire with an adapted Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG).
- Statistical analysis included matched Chi² tests (p<0.001).
Main Results:
- 39% of respondents exhibited pathological grief.
- Risk factors: failed replantation (p<0.001), isolated thumb amputation (p<0.001), multi-digit/macro-amputation (p<0.001).
- Feeling mutilated and aesthetic blemishes were significantly linked to pathological grief (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Victims of traumatic upper-limb amputation face a significant risk of pathological grief.
- Screening for pathological grief and providing support are vital for psychological recovery and reintegration.
- Addressing psychological impact is essential for social and occupational rehabilitation.
