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Amputation for tumor of the upper arm
Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica
|April 1, 1983
Summary
Proximal upper limb amputations for malignant tumors show a 23% 5-year survival rate. Most patients did not use prostheses, though daily living activities were manageable for many.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Malignant tumors necessitate proximal upper limb amputations.
- Limited data exists on long-term outcomes and prosthetic use after these procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate survival rates and functional outcomes.
- To assess prosthetic use and psychosocial factors in patients undergoing proximal upper limb amputation for malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 35 patients undergoing proximal upper limb amputation over 10 years.
- Analysis of survival data, prosthetic utilization, and patient-reported functional and psychosocial status.
Main Results:
- The 5-year survival rate was 23%.
- Only 8 of 15 interviewed patients used a prosthesis (3 functional, 5 cosmetic); 7 rejected prostheses.
- Most patients maintained their preoperative occupation and reported manageable activities of daily living, with one housekeeper requiring assistance and one patient experiencing psychological distress.
Conclusions:
- Proximal upper limb amputation for malignancy is associated with poor long-term survival.
- Prosthetic use is low, but functional outcomes for daily living are often preserved.
- Psychosocial support may be crucial for a subset of patients.