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Benefits and use of digital prostheses
B P Pereira1, A K Kour, E L Leow
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Digital prostheses offer significant benefits, with 97% of patients continuing use after two years. Careful patient selection and addressing both physical and emotional needs are crucial for successful prosthetic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Prosthetics
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Patient selection is critical for successful prosthetic fitting.
- Digital prostheses can address both physical and emotional impacts of limb loss.
- Socioeconomic consequences of disability necessitate comprehensive prosthetic solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes of fitting 136 digital prostheses in 90 patients.
- To identify key factors influencing the success of digital prosthetic fitting.
- To assess the long-term usability and impact of digital prostheses on patient quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective clinical experience review of 90 patients fitted with 136 digital prostheses.
- Follow-up assessment of 30 patients after a minimum of 2 years to determine prosthesis usage.
- Analysis of technical issues and patient-reported outcomes.
Main Results:
- 97% of patients continued to use their digital prostheses after 2 years (22% daily, 23% intermittently).
- Technical issues like poor fit and perspiration affected occasional use in 7% of patients.
- High-quality digital prostheses, with or without surgical reconstruction, restored appearance, body image, and physical capability.
Conclusions:
- Digital prostheses demonstrate high long-term patient adherence and satisfaction.
- Successful prosthetic development hinges on meticulous patient selection and managing expectations.
- Digital prostheses significantly improve appearance, body image, and physical function, enhancing overall quality of life.