Factors related to successful upper extremity prosthetic use

Surveys from 40 upper extremity amputees were analyzed to examine factors related to successful use of an upper extremity prosthesis. Factors which were associated with successful rehabilitation were fewer than two complicating factors, completion of high school education, employment at both the time of amputation and review, rapid return to work, acceptance of the amputation by the time of this review, and perception that the prosthesis was expensive. Factors which appeared unrelated to prosthetic success were age, loss of dominant hand, loss of elbow, marital status, use of rehabilitation services, use of a temporary prosthesis, and whether training in prosthetic use was provided. Many of these factors concurred with earlier studies. Previously unreported factors that may be of importance to the long-term success of upper limb amputees are the number of complicating factors and perceptions about the monetary value of the prosthesis.