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Extent of disability following traumatic extremity amputation
D H Livingston1, D Keenan, D Kim
1Department of Surgery, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark.
The Journal of Trauma
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Traumatic limb amputation significantly impacts daily living and return to work, with below-knee and below-elbow amputations showing better outcomes. Patient satisfaction with adjustment and daily activities remains high despite challenges.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Traumatology
- Prosthetics & Orthotics
Background:
- Traumatic extremity amputation presents significant long-term disability challenges.
- Understanding factors influencing recovery is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate residual disability in patients with traumatic limb amputations.
- To identify factors associated with good recovery and return to work/school.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 42 patients with traumatic limb amputations.
- Follow-up conducted 3-57 months post-injury.
- Data collected on amputation level, prosthesis use, rehabilitation, return to work/school, and satisfaction.
Main Results:
- 50% of pre-injury workers returned to work; below-knee (BK) and below-elbow (BE) amputations had better return-to-work rates.
- No above-knee (AK) amputees returned to work.
- 88% reported satisfaction with adjustment and ability to perform daily living activities.
Conclusions:
- Limb amputation level significantly influences return to work.
- Despite challenges, most patients achieve good functional adjustment and satisfaction.
- Further research into optimizing return-to-work strategies for amputees is warranted.