Talbot SG, Carty MJ, Jensen SE, et al. Adjustment to Amputation and Interest in Upper Limb Transplantation. SAGE Open Medicine. 2019;7:1-6.
Salminger S, Roche A, Sturma A, et al. Hand Transplantation versus Hand Prosthetics: pros and cons. Current Surgery Reports. 2016;4(2):8.
Levy WS. Skin Problems of the Amputee. In: Bowker HK, Michael JW eds. Atlas of Limb Prosthetics: Surgical, Prosthetic, and Rehabilitation Principles. 2nd ed. Rosemont, Illinois: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; 2002: Ch 26.
Biddiss EA, Chau TT. Upper Limb Prosthesis Use and Abandonment: A Survey of the Last 25 Years. Prosthetics and Orthotics International. 2007;31(3):236-257.
Jensen SE, Butt Z, Heinemann AW, et al. Perceptions of the Risks and Benefits of Upper Limb Transplantation Among Individuals with Upper Limb Amputations. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2014;134(5):979-987.
No Prosthesis
Many people with upper limb loss choose to stop using prosthetic devices for different reasons. For example, some have had complicated experiences with their amputations (e.g., not able to adapt to their prostheses,1 unable to carry out toileting activities with a prosthesis, desire more sensory or function). Those who have challenges or poor experiences with their prostheses are more likely to stop using them.2 Other reasons that people stop using a prosthesis is because of physical discomfort, such as finding it painful, hot, and/or itchy.3 Some people report that the functional gains they experienced did not outweigh the discomfort or lack of sensory feedback.4,5
Also, some with upper limb loss no longer use a prosthesis because of appearance concerns, e.g., “the hook”. About one-third (35%) of all people with upper limb loss abandon body-powered prostheses.4 Nearly half (45%) of all people with upper limb loss abandon electric prostheses.4
Many feel that they have more instant function by using their residual limb(s).4,5 That is, it can be easier to use a residual limb than use a passive device, such as a body-powered or cosmetic prosthesis, or learn how to operate and adapt to a myoelectric device.