Article

Prosthetic care is a vital aspect of healthcare and rehabilitation for veterans
and servicemembers with major traumatic limb loss. Our survey queried 581
veterans and servicemembers with limb loss from the Vietnam and Operation Iraqi
Freedom (OIF)/Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) conflicts. Among survey
participants, 78.2% from the Vietnam conflict and 90.5% from the OIF/OEF conflict
currently use prosthetic devices. In Vietnam respondents, 78% received prosthetic
care from private sources, 16% from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
prosthetic laboratories, 0.9% from Department of Defense (DOD), and 5% from
multiple sources. In OIF/OEF respondents, 42% received prosthetic care from
private sources, 9% percent from VA, 39% from DOD, and 10% from multiple sources.
Participants identified their satisfaction with current prosthetic devices and
prosthetic services. Reports of pain, sweating, skin irritation, and problems
with socket fit continue to be significant issues for participants from both
conflicts regardless of level of amputation or site of service. In those with
upper-limb loss who used myoelectric prostheses, minimal effect on prosthesis use
and satisfaction was noted. Among lower-limb loss participants from both
conflicts, notable differences existed in prosthesis satisfaction by source of
care.

Langue : ANGLAIS