Article

There is a paucity of literature about satisfaction after
reconstructive surgery to improve upper limb function in persons with
tetraplegia. The present literature describes mainly functional outcomes.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate long-term satisfaction after reconstructive upper
extremity surgery in persons with tetraplegia. SETTING: Two rehabilitation
centers in the Netherlands. METHOD: A three-part questionnaire consisting
questions regarding satisfaction, activities, occupation, changes in functional
ability and willingness to undergo the surgeries again was used. Internal
reliability of the questionnaire was verified by factor analysis and calculation
of Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: In total, 39 out of 55 persons (70.9%) participated
in the study. The participants' responses to questions about satisfaction,
activities and occupation were positive in 73.5, 67.6 and 35.0%, respectively.
Nearly 81% improved their functional ability. Approximately 65% of the
participants were willing to undergo elbow extension surgery again and 77.1%
expressed their willingness to undergo hand/wrist surgery again. Significant
positive correlation was found between willingness to have surgery again and
improvement in activities and occupation: Spearman's correlation coefficients:
activities-elbow extension 0.63 (P=0.003), activities-hand/wrist 0.57 (P<0.001),
occupation-elbow extension 0.53 (P=0.025), occupation-hand/wrist 0.57 (P=0.001).
Differences between the subgroups who would have surgery again and those who
would refrain were also significant; one-way analysis of variance for activities
(F=9.54, P<0.01) and for occupation (F=6.60, P<0.02). CONCLUSION: In the
Netherlands, the majority of persons with tetraplegia who underwent
reconstructive upper extremity surgery were satisfied with the results. This was
related to improvement in activities and occupation.

Langue : ANGLAIS