Body image and patients with amputations: does the prosthesis maintain the balance?

Area of Science:

• Prosthetics and Rehabilitation
• Psychological Impact of Amputation
• Mobility Studies

Background:

• Established lower limb amputees' satisfaction with prosthetics and body image are key to their mobility.
• Understanding psychological factors influencing mobility is crucial for effective rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between artificial limb dissatisfaction, body image, and achieved mobility in established lower limb amputees.
• To identify specific patient subgroups where these factors may significantly impact mobility outcomes.

Main Methods:

• 107 established lower limb amputees completed questionnaires on limb satisfaction, body image, anxiety, and depression.
• Mobility was assessed using the Harold Wood Stanmore Mobility Scale.
• Prosthetic suitability was rated by a rehabilitation physician.

Main Results:

• Overall, patients reported moderate satisfaction with their artificial limbs and minimal body image distress.
• No significant overall relationship was found between limb satisfaction, body image, and mobility.
• Younger patients with traumatic amputations showed a significant correlation between negative body image and reduced mobility, alongside higher anxiety levels.

Conclusions:

• Body image disruption and psychological distress are not prevalent in most established lower limb amputees.
• Specific subgroups, particularly young individuals with traumatic amputations, may experience significant psychological impacts affecting their mobility and prosthesis satisfaction.