Prostheses, pain and sequelae of amputation, as seen by the amputee

Abstract

Results of a survey of 19 organizations belonging to World Veterans Federation indicate that major complaints of amputees include; poor fitting, poor dissemination of knowledge to doctors and amputees regarding new prostheses, lack of opportunity for “input” from amputees at research level and-inadequate measures to deal with phantom and stump pain. Suggested improvements by amputees; decrease in weight of prostheses, reduction in maintenance for swing and stance-phase control units, development of recreational prostheses, more frequent checks through use of X-ray and film techniques, particularly during the “break-in” of a new appliance. Older veterans showed increasing concern in regard to development of consequential disabilities arising from amputation; premature arthritic changes in spine and remaining limb, circulatory problems and gastro-intestinal problems due to ingestion of drugs to control pain. © 1978, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.