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Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_921_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

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Section 2: Upper Limb
Figure 1
reduction. A, A self-adherent elastic wrap used after a partial hand amputation. B, A gure-of-8 elastic compression bandage was used after a transhumeral amputation. (Courtesy of Rehabilita­tion Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
necessary.6 The duration of a therapy program is influenced by the number
Photographs showing the use of compression for residual limb shaping and edema
A caregiver may need to be trained if
the patient has bilateral upper limb loss. of limbs amputated as well as the am­putation level and the patient’s cognitive function, executive skills, support sys­tem, and funding source.
Edema Reduction and
Residual Limb Shaping
Prolonged edema can lead to residual
limb pain, poor wound healing, in-
Immediate Postoperative Considerations
Wound Care
A residual limb with wounds or a pri­mary closure site with staples can be cleaned with antibacterial soap and water and covered with a silver-type wound dressing. The use of a silver-type dressing can reduce the risk of wound complications, edema, or biofilm forma­tion.7 If a mesh skin graft or sheet graft was surgically applied to the residual limb, close inspection may be required during the first 10 to 14 postoperative days to maintain the proper moisture environment for the graft and to express hematoma or serous fluid as needed.
Whether they are well closed with na­tive tissue, have been treated with grafts, or have healing wounds, most residual limbs benefit from the application of a figure-of-8 elastic compression bandage to stabilize the dressing and begin edema reduction. Many patients with unilateral upper limb loss can be instructed in ap­propriate wound care and limb manage­ment in the early postoperative period.
creased firmness of scar tissue, and a poor residual limb shape. Edema re­duction can be initiated with the use of an elastic compression bandage even if wounds are still present. The applica­tion of bandage pressure can increase the pliability of scar tissue and thereby limit pain and skin irritation. Continu­ous compression is recommended until the scar tissue matures 12 to 18 months after wound closure. After a partial hand amputation, a self-adherent elastic wrap can be used to apply pressure (Figure 1). For a transradial or transhumeral ampu­tation, a 3- or 4-inch elastic compression bandage can be used. After a shoulder disarticulation, initial pressure from a 4­to 6-inch elastic compression bandage encompassing the trunk is beneficial, with subsequent use of a noncustom, moisture-wicking compression garment.
Elastic bandage compression should be used until wounds are sufficiently healed to tolerate the shear forces pro­duced when a residual limb shrinker is donned. An upper limb residual shrink­er can be fabricated from compressive
Figure 2
with a residual limb shrinker fabricated by an occupational therapist. (Courtesy of Rehabilita­tion Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Clinical photograph of a patient
materials (Figure 2). Both elastic com­pression bandages and residual limb shrinkers have been shown to reduce residual limb edema, but the skilled use of an elastic compression bandage can facilitate greater edema reduction in less time than the use of a shrinker.8 The early application of compression also be­gins residual limb shaping, which can lead to easy donning of the prosthetic socket and minimize development of redundant soft tissue. A conical resid­ual limb shape is the goal. Even after successful prosthetic fitting, continued use of a residual limb shrinker or elastic compression bandage may be required throughout the first year after the ampu­tation whenever the prosthesis is not be­ing worn; this will continue the process of edema reduction and limb shaping.
Pain Reduction
Ninety-five percent of individuals with upper limb loss secondary to trauma
Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition © 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
352
report phantom limb sensation or pain, residual limb pain, or nonamputated limb pain.
9,10
The type and level of up­per limb pain should be assessed during preprosthetic treatment. In phantom limb sensation, the amputee feels that he or she is experiencing various sensations in all or part of the amputated limb; these sensations may include a feeling of movement in the phantom limb. Phan­tom limb pain includes sensations that can be described as burning, twisting, shooting, squeezing, cramping, or dull aching of the amputated body part. Re­sidual limb pain may be the result of the initial injury, the amputation surgery, persistent wounds, or neuromas. In ad­dition, the contralateral, nonamputat ed upper limb should be assessed for pain resulting from a previously undi­agnosed injury, an overuse syndrome, cumulative trauma, or a repetitive stress
11-13
injury.
The early application of firm pres­sure, such as pressure applied with an elastic compression bandage, can re­duce nerve or wound irritation, pain from edema, and sometimes phantom limb pain. The therapist also may need to use visual feedback, guided mental motor imagery, or mirror or visual ther­apy to treat phantom limb sensation or phantom limb pain (Figure 3). Many individuals can be trained to use these techniques while in the clinic and then progress to incorporating the techniques into the home and work environments. Structured, guided visual feedback tech­niques can be used to reduce selected pain issues by means of cortical reor­ganization.
14-17
In contrast, the use of electrical modalities was found to lead to only minimal pain reduction.
18,19
In comparison with the general pop­ulation, individuals with upper limb loss are more likely to have an over­use pain syndrome, most commonly affecting the neck, lower back, and/or shoulder.11 Individuals with unilater­al upper limb loss often report lateral epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome,
Chapter 29: Upper Limb Prosthetic Training and Occupational Therapy
Figure 3
mirror therapy to achieve pain reduction. Mirro r therapy assists with decreasing the pain cycle
-
in the amputated limb by watching the reec­tion of movement of the nonamputated limb in a mirror; this creates positive feedback in the motor cortex of the brain. (Courtesy of Rehabil­itation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Photograph showing the use of
cubital tunnel syndrome, or stenosing tenosynovitis in the contralateral up­per limb. A simple off-the-shelf orthosis may be useful in managing an overuse syndrome in the contralateral upper limb (Figure 4).
Flexibility, strength, and correct me­chanics can help alleviate pain. Accord­ingly, preprosthetic and postprosthetic occupational therapy should include an emphasis on increasing and maintain­ing flexibility of the trunk and extrem­ities. In addition, the therapy program should focus on strengthening associ­ated muscle groups and providing in­struction in appropriate body and arm mechanics and posture.
Positive coping skills related to an­ger and stress also are useful in man­aging pain. An individual with limited or poor coping skills or a tendency to depression may benefit from early inte­gration of positive coping skills into the therapy program, with reinforcement from the individual’s support system.
A medical professional who is ex­perienced and knowledgeable in limb
Figure 4
a noncustom armband and wrist support or­thosis to assist with pain reduction associated with lateral epicondylitis in the nonamputated limb. (Courtesy of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Photograph showing the use of
loss treatment can provide additional techniques for pain reduction.20 The therapist should continue to assess the individual for overuse syndrome issues related to changes in work, avocational activities, or aging. Techniques to mini­mize pain and enhance a return to func­tion should be used as needed.
Preprosthetic Program Essentials
Limb and Core Assessment and Treatment
The therapist’s assessment should not be limited to the affected limb because other body areas may also require treatment. The range-of-motion assessment should include joint and soft-tissue movement in both the limbs and the trunk. Soft-tis­sue limitations can be promptly treated with an aggressive elongation program focusing on increasing trunk flexibility and active movement of the upper and lower limbs. Similarly, a strengthening program can minimize abnormal trunk, back, and limb changes secondary to upper limb amputation.21 In bilateral
© 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition
353
Section 2: Upper Limb
Figure 5
use of the residual limbs in a person with bilat­eral upper limb loss. The patient is using a uni­versal cu with a low thermoplastic pointer/ turner fabr icated by the occupational th erapist. (Courtesy of Re habilitation Institute of Chic ago, Chicago, IL.)
Photograph showing midline
upper limb loss, progressive treatment to bring both upper limbs to midline can be useful in implementing preprosthetic self-care tasks (Figure 5).
General age-based physical fitness assessments can be used to identify the physical condition of the individual and the general safety skills needed for the home environment.22 Muscle strength can be assessed by manual muscle ex­amination, as needed. Assessment of peripheral nerve function is sometimes indicated because peripheral nerve dys­function can limit voluntary muscle function and may require the therapist to develop a treatment program that will compensate for the losses and allow in­dependence in activities of daily living.
The preprosthetic therapy program can initiate both core and extremity en­durance and strengthening tasks. Core stabilization during resistive upper limb exercises can prepare the individual for assuming the weight of the prosthe­sis (Figure 6). Good muscle strength can allow relatively rapid progression to extended periods of prosthesis use. Similarly, increasing cardiovascular endurance contributes to a tolerance for wearing and using an upper limb prosthesis.
Figure 6
core and extremity strength (A) and cardiovascular endurance (B). (Courtesy of Rehabilitation In­stitute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Perceptual Motor Skills
Perceptual motor skills influence the
Photographs showing an individual with quadrilateral limb loss training to improve
performance in preparation for using
self-care skills outside of the clinic. ability to resume dynamic balance and change hand dominance. A brief assessment of perceptual motor skills, including hand-eye coordination, body­eye coordination, postural adjustment, and visual skills, helps the therapist de­termine how to provide training for new tasks and functional prosthesis use.
Home Assessment
For more complex cases, such as indi-
viduals affected by bilateral limb loss, a
home assessment should be completed
before prosthetic training begins. The
basic home recommendations should
23
include independence in entering and
leaving the home, showering (includ-
Preprosthetic Self-Care Training
Before beginning training to use a prosthesis, an individual with unilat­eral upper limb loss can benefit from training that will help him or her be­come independent in cutting food, tying shoes, bathing, and donning upper torso garments. For individuals with bilateral upper limb loss, adaptive equipment is used for training in self-feeding, groom­ing and hygiene tasks, showering, and donning upper torso garments (Fig‑ ure 7). The efficient performance of self­care tasks is influenced by total body endurance, strength, and flexibility. For
ing turning the water on and off and
washing the body), toileting, removing
items from the refrigerator or microwave
oven, and managing internal doors and
light switches. Many individuals benefit
from instruction in the use of electron-
ic technology for managing door en-
trances, lights, and other items in the
home. Architectural modifications may
be recommended, if funding allows. If
architectural modifications cannot be
considered, the recommendations can
emphasize portable devices, especially
for the bathroom, that can be relocated
to another residence. those individuals with limited percep­tual motor skills or difficulty in trans­ferring newly learned skills to multiple tasks, repetitive training in the clinic can enhance the timeliness and efficiency of
Support System
An individual’s ability to regain function
can be fostered by appropriate family,
community, work, and school support
Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition © 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
354
Chapter 29: Upper Limb Prosthetic Training and Occupational Therapy
Figure 7
upper limb amputation using an adaptive device for feeding (B). (Courtesy of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
systems. Each support system should be assessed to determine the feasibility of integrating it into the rehabilitation pro­gram. The therapist should understand the individual’s family, community, work, and school roles in the interest of assisting in the resumption of medically, physically, and emotionally appropriate aspects of these roles. Having the abil­ity to interact with others in previously established roles contributes to rees­tablishing a sense of self-worth. Shared occupational therapy treatment sessions for individuals with a similar limb loss can serve as an important additional source of support.
Sleep Patterns
Referral to a psychologist or the attend­ing physician is indicated if the individ­ual’s sleep habits have changed since the amputation. A change in sleep pattern is common and may be attributable to the use of pain medication, recent surgery, reduced physical activity, or emotional responses. Often the sleep pattern im­proves with a structured therapist-ini­tiated program to enhance total body endurance and strength.
Hand Dominance
If the dominant hand was part of the amputated limb, the therapist can begin hand dominance retraining activities
Photographs show ing an individual with qua drilateral limb loss using an ad aptive device for self-c are (A) and an individual with bilateral
as part of the preprosthetic program. Changing the hand dominance affects handwriting, keyboard use, and dexter­ity in work-related tasks and activities of daily living. Specific computer software may be useful for increasing keyboard speed and accuracy.
Types of Prostheses and
tension through a control cable that op­erates the terminal device. In addition, an individual with a transhumeral am­putation must work on strengthening the movements of scapular depression with shoulder extension because these movements may be needed for operating the cable that will lock and unlock the elbow.
Prosthetic Control
Motor and Movement Skills for Prosthetic Function
The goal of the preprosthetic thera­py program is to sufficiently increase endurance, mobility, and strength to allow multiple hours of daily prosthe­sis use. During the preprosthetic pro­gram, the individual can be trained in the motor skills or movement needed for operating the anticipated prosthe­sis. However, the style and operation of the prosthesis must be determined in consultation with a prosthetist who is knowledgeable about upper limb amputations.
Body-Powered Prosthesis
The use of a body-powered prosthe­sis after a transradial or transhumeral amputation requires scapular abduc­tion training, with strengthening of the serratus anterior, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor muscles. Scapular abduction is commonly used to create
Myoelectric Prosthesis
A myoelectric prosthesis uses electro­myographic signals captured through surface electrodes in the prosthetic socket. In consultation with the pros­thetist, the therapist should identify one or more muscle groups appropriate for this use. Individuals with a transradial amputation often use two-site muscle control composed of forearm flexors and extensors. The therapist should provide a program to increase the endurance of the forearm muscles to allow a long period of daily myoelectric prosthesis use. The voluntary firing of the forearm muscle groups must be independent of the position of the elbow or shoulder to allow functional use of the prosthesis in multiple degrees of movement. An indi­vidual with a transhumeral amputation can often use upper arm elbow flexors and extensors to operate the terminal device and elbow. Preprosthetic training should include the general strengthening
© 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition
355
Section 2: Upper Limb
terminal devices can serve in multiple
activity-related functions. Most indi-
viduals with a body-powered prosthe-
sis choose the functional utility of a
hook-style terminal device, but a hand
terminal device can be used in social
environments (Figure 8). Those indi-
viduals with a myoelectric or hybrid
prosthesis can use interchangeable ter-
minal devices including a basic hand,
a multifunctional hand, an electronic
terminal device, or a Greifer (Ottobock)
(Figure 9). Some terminal devices are
effective for most daily activities and
should be the focus of training. Others
are used only for specific activities, but
require training in proper use and stor-
age. The user should be instructed on
which terminal devices are appropriate
for strenuous activity or in the presence
of moisture, dust, or vibration.
Figure 8
hook and hand terminal devices (left and right, respectively). Hooks are available in various sizes and opening capabilities. (Courtesy of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
and endurance of these muscle groups as well as their discrete control in dif­ferent shoulder positions. Throughout the training, the individual should be reminded to avoid using the myoelectric prosthesis in activities involving mois­ture, vibration, dust, or high voltage.
Photograph showing a body-powered prosthesis (center) with interchangeable
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation
Targeted muscle reinnervation and associated follow-up consultations on the design of the proposed prosthesis as well as any training on its use should be performed at a medical center that spe­cializes in this unique treatment. Until the muscles are fully innervated, the
Hybrid Prosthesis
A hybrid prosthesis can be used after a transhumeral or forequarter amputation or a shoulder disarticulation. Prosthetic component operation at these proximal amputation levels can include control of a terminal device as well as wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder joint movement. In close consultation with the treating prosthetist, the therapist
individual should be fitted and trained with a myoelectric or hybrid prosthesis. After targeted muscle reinnervation sur gery, the therapy program should focus on developing motor patterns for elicit­ing muscle contraction of the amputated limb. Time is required for the nerve to reinnervate muscles of the upper torso, and a program of 3 to 6 months or lon­ger may be required.
should identify the movements and muscle functions needed for operating the proposed prosthetic components and develop a program to increase the individual’s endurance in preparation for use of the prosthesis.
Terminal Devices
The many functions of the hand can­not be effectively reproduced by a sin­gle prosthetic terminal device. However, appropriately designed interchangeable
Prosthetic Training
The therapist should ensure a smooth
transition from the preprosthetic pro-
gram into the prosthetic skills training
program, usually as soon as the pros-
thesis is delivered.
Initial Training Sessions
Prosthetic training should begin with
terminology, component function and
operation, time-efficient donning and
doffing of the prosthesis, residual limb
care, and general prosthesis mainte-
nance. For many with a transhumeral or
transradial amputation, the prosthesis
-
is donned using an overhead technique
(Figure 10). For those with a shoulder
disarticulation or forequarter ampu-
tation, donning often can be accom-
plished in a manner similar to donning
of a front-opening garment. Some indi-
viduals with bilateral upper limb loss
need to use a prosthetic dressing tree,
which is custom designed and fabricat-
ed based on the individual’s flexibility,
motor skills, and balance. The donning
method ultimately is based on the indi-
vidual’s functional abilities, which may
be influenced by the presence of other
Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition © 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
356
injuries as well as flexibility and muscle strength. Training in the general main­tenance of the prosthesis includes topics such as application of tension bands to a body-powered hook and changing ter­minal devices.
Control Training
Control training should be done sepa­rately for each prosthetic component. As each prosthetic operation is mas­tered, a subsequent operation is added. Training should progress from tabletop activities to the use of the prosthesis while standing or reaching (Figure 11). Control training often begins with the patient manipulating unbreakable items positioned on a table and progresses to fragile or crushable items. The patient should attempt to move the objects from the table to each side of the body and to the midline. Learning to open the ter­minal device to the specific diameter of the object being manipulated increas­es the efficiency of prosthetic function and minimizes the use of other body parts. The training progresses to pre­positioning of the terminal device, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder before engaging in an activity. Con­tinued training leads to prosthesis use while the opposite limb or the body is in motion. Prosthesis use in coordination with other body movements can facili­tate the transference of skills to complex activities.
Chapter 29: Upper Limb Prosthetic Training and Occupational Therapy
Figure 9
devices (left to right): an interchangeable hand, an electronic terminal device, and a Greifer (Otto­bock). (Courtesy of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Photograph showing a myoelectric prosthesis (center) with a variety of terminal
Self-Care, Activities of Daily Living, and Work Tasks
Integration of the prosthesis into self­care tasks should begin when success with component operation has been achieved. The use of the prosthesis in these activities should be reinforced be-
Figure 10
person with unilateral limb loss (A) and a person with bilateral limb loss (B).
Photographs showing the use of an overhead prosthesis donning method by a
cause the individual may have become independent in some tasks before re­ceiving the prosthesis. Using the pros­thesis to perform these core tasks will positively affect its overall usage rate and may minimize overuse or stress injuries to other body areas.
Training should progress to ba­sic meal preparation tasks and skills required for independent living (Figure 12). Training to incorporate prosthesis use into child care may be important (Figure 13). The individual
should also learn how to safely carry items using the prosthesis (Fi g u r e 14). Ultimately, there should be a progres­sion from home and community tasks to lifting, carrying, and work-related tasks. Instruction must be provided on
© 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition
357
Section 2: Upper Limb
the dynamic and static lift abilities of the prosthetic components and should be reinforced to minimize component failure, residual-limb skin irritation, and the potential for an overuse syndrome.
Training in the use of the prosthesis in homemaking, work tasks, and leisure activities must include prepositioning of the prosthetic components and proper body and arm positioning to minimize the risk of overuse syndromes. With appropriate training, most individuals can acquire independence in self-care and selected homemaking and work ac­tivities without the need to frequently change the terminal device (Figure 15). A return to work may require the thera pist to complete an onsite work assess­ment and recommend environmental modifications, assistive technologies, or ways to integrate the prosthesis into work tasks. The onsite work assessment may also result in the need for changes in the prosthesis or additional occupa­tional therapy sessions.
-
Figure 11
training in individuals with upper limb loss. A, A tabletop-activity competition using unbreakable objects. B, Manipulation of fragile objects. C, Positioning of objects at the midline of the body. D, Overhead reaching. (Courtesy of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Figure 12
such as packing a suitcase (B). (Courtesy of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Photographs showing the progression of prosthesis and terminal device control
Photographs showing the use of a shoulder disarticulation prosthesis for support in meal preparation (A) and for functional tasks,
Leisure Activities and Mobility
Many people with a unilateral or bi­lateral upper limb amputation wish
Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition © 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
358
to resume driving an automobile and can benefit from assessment or train­ing by a certified driver rehabilitation specialist (Fig ure 16). A therapist can help individuals seeking to regain or obtain a driver’s license. The therapist’s assessment of preinjury activities can determine whether adaptations are needed for operating special equip­ment such as a lawn mower, a boat, an all-terrain vehicle, or a tractor. The therapist should inquire about leisure pursuits and provide recommenda­tions and training to allow a return to preinjury activities. For those with a specific avocational interest, referrals to established resources or groups may be appropriate. For many individuals, a return to a preinjury activity such as hunting, fishing, golfing, or swimming can improve self-esteem and emotional outlook (F i g u re 17). Some individuals may benefit from information about or exposure to Paralympic or other com­petitive adaptive sports activities. Not­for-profit organizations devoted to the welfare of individuals living with an amputation may be helpful in locating local agencies.
Chapter 29: Upper Limb Prosthetic Training and Occupational Therapy
Figure 13
tation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Photograph showing training for tasks related to child care. (Courtesy of Rehabili-
The Effect of Prosthetic Training on Outcomes
Promoting Long-term Use of a Prosthesis
The goal of an occupational therapy prosthetic training program is to facil­itate the individual’s return to preinju­ry activities in the home, community, school, and work environments. Sus­tained use of a prosthesis can be com­promised if training is not provided immediately after fitting and delivery of a prosthesis. Structured sessions can have a direct, measurably posi­tive effect on the long-term use of a prosthesis. the effects of preprosthetic therapy on prosthesis use, two groups of individ­uals with upper limb amputation were compared. Members of the first group received early occupational therapy
24-26
In a study comparing
Figure 14
heavy load (B). (Courtesy of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
and preprosthetic training lasting an average 7.16 weeks from the date of injury to the prosthetic fitting. Those in the second group received delayed prosthetic training of an average 41.04 weeks’ duration from the date of in­jury to the prosthetic fitting. One year
Photographs showing training in positioning and carrying a food tray (A) and a
after completing their program, 98% of the members of the first group were using their prosthesis, and 74% had returned to work or school. Among members of the second group, the per centages were approximately 56% for both outcomes.27 This study showed
-
© 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition
359
Section 2: Upper Limb
Figure 15
M-nger (Partial Hand Solutions) cable-driven prosthesis being used by an individual to accomplish a task involving electrical wiring. (Courtesy of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Photographs showing the use of prostheses in job tasks. A, A body-powered transradial prosthesis used in tool manipulation. B, An
that early, aggressive preprosthetic occupational therapy training leads to improved outcomes for users of a prosthesis.
Expediting Progress Toward Prosthetic Goals
Frequent therapy sessions serve to re­inforce and enhance learning and skill retention related to prosthesis use. Clin­ical trials have reported on individuals who underwent treatment two or three times a week.
28,29
However, those who received treatment 5 days per week for 2 to 4 hours each day made more rapid progress in prosthesis use and daily wear, which led to an earlier return to work.
Individuals with difficulty in pro­cessing new information, those with amputation at a high level, or those with bilateral upper limb loss need additional time to learn and implement self-care techniques and to incorporate the move­ments and muscle function required for operating the prosthesis. Some individ­uals can achieve successful prosthetic
Figure 16
eral prosthesis buckling a seatbelt. Training for driving resumption should progress from seatbelt buckling to do or and steering whee l manipulation. (Courtesy o f Rehabilitation Institu te of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Photograph showing a person with bilateral upper limb amputation and a unilat-
operation within the first 15 to 20 hours of training, but others require a longer period of occupational therapy.
30
Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition © 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
360
Chapter 29: Upper Limb Prosthetic Training and Occupational Therapy
Figure 17
prostheses u sed to operate a hunting rie; inf ormation and training can mi nimize the need for change s to the gunstock. B, A unilateral prosthesis used to operate a power saw. (Courtesy of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.)
Long-Term Considerations
Individuals with a traumatic upper limb amputation are usually younger and healthier at the time of injury than those with a lower limb amputation. completion of an upper limb prosthetic occupational therapy program, sched­uled, structured annual or semiannual follow-up visits to an amputee rehabil­itation team are useful to monitor the need for prosthetic repair, replacement, or upgrade; treat skin issues; minimize pain from an overuse syndrome; and preserve functionality throughout the aging process.
Atrophy of the residual limb is ex­acerbated if the original amputation required soft-tissue loss and skin graft coverage. The identification of skin is­sues in the clinic can minimize time away from prosthesis use and may pro­vide justification for socket replacement or a change in style or components. Indi­viduals should be advised to contact the rehabilitation team if a neuroma, skin sensitivity, or overuse syndrome arises between appointments.
Photographs show ing prosthesis use in activities that require good body-arm function and a high level of pros thetic skills. A, Bilateral
Life-Care Planning
Life-care plans are often required for
throughout the aging process and can provide rationale for prosthetic changes.
individuals when a workers’ compen-
1,2
After
sation determination or legal claim is involved. The occupational therapist’s contribution to a life-care plan should be based on general knowledge of upper limb amputation and prosthetic devices and detailed knowledge of the individ­ual’s medical and emotional condition, prosthesis use, and support system.
Acknowledgments
Hector Torres, BS IT, the author’s hus­band, and Bill Hickerson, MD, FACS, the director of the Amputee Clinic at Firefighters’ Burn Center, Memphis, TN, are thanked for the support and encouragement they provided during
the development of this chapter. This information can inform decisions related to funding for future medical, prosthesis, and training needs over the individual’s lifetime.
Summary
Preprosthetic and postprosthetic occu­pational therapy can foster a faster re­turn to function for an individual with upper limb loss. Immediate and frequent occupational therapy after prosthesis de­livery can enhance the incorporation of the device into daily activities and work tasks. Structured long-term fol-
References
1. Ziegler-Graham K, MacKenzie EJ, Ephraim PL, Travison TG, Brook­meyer R: Estimating the prevalence of limb loss in the United States: 2005 to 2050. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2008;89(3):422-429. Medline DOI
2. Sheehan TP, Gondo GC: Impact of limb loss in the United States. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2014;25(1):9-
28. Medline DOI
3. Rondinelli RD: AMA Guides to the
Evaluation of Permanent Impairment,
low-up at an amputee clinic can assist the individual with remaining function
© 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition
361