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 complains 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.