Prosthetic rehabilitation of upper limb amputees: a five year review

A review of 55 upper limb amputees, acquired and congenital, referred to a subregional centre for amputee rehabilitation in a five year period is presented. Ninety-six per cent of the amputees were provided with prostheses. Seventy-three per cent of these patients have successfully accepted their prostheses with a minimum follow-up period of two years. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in providing a comprehensive rehabilitation programme cannot be overemphasized. Patient's views and needs must be at the forefront in formulating the rehabilitation programme. Success of the prostheses should not be determined only on the grounds of active use, as cosmetic replacement may also play a major role in the total rehabilitation of upper limb amputees.