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Abstract Objective. To define clinical phenotypes of postamputation pain and identify markers of risk for the development of chronic pain. Design. Cross-sectional study of military service members enrolled 3-18 months after traumatic amputation injury. Setting. Military Medical Center Subjects. 124 recent active duty military service members Methods. Study subjects completed multiple pain and psychometric questionnaires to assess the qualities of phantom and residual limb pain. Medical records were reviewed to determine the presence/absence of a regional catheter near the time of injury. Subtypes of residual limb pain (somatic, neuroma, and complex regional pain syndrome) were additionally analyzed and associated with clinical risk factors. Results. A majority of enrolled patients (64.5%) reported clinically significant pain (pain score ≥3 averaged over previous week). 61% experienced residual limb pain and 58% experienced phantom pain. When analysis of pain subtypes was performed in those with residual limb pain, we found evidence of a sensitized neuroma in 48.7%, somatic pain in 40.8%, and complex regional pain syndrome in 19.7% of individuals. The presence of clinically significant neuropathic residual limb pain was associated with symptoms of PTSD and depression. Neuropathic pain of any severity was associated with symptoms of all four assessed clinical risk factors: depression, PTSD, catastrophizing, and the absence of regional analgesia catheter. Conclusions. Most military service members in this cohort suffered both phantom and residual limb pain following amputation. Neuroma was a common cause of neuropathic pain in this group. Associated risk factors for significant neuropathic pain included PTSD and depression. PTSD, depression, catastrophizing, and the absence of a regional analgesia catheter were associated with neuropathic pain of any severity.

This study aimed to evaluate whether lower extremity (LE) amputation among civilian casualties is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. All patients with severe LE injuries (AIS ≥3) derived from the ACS-TQIP (2013–2020) were divided into those who underwent trauma-associated amputation and those with limb salvage. Propensity score matching was used to mitigate selection bias and confounding and compare the rates of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A total of 145,667 patients with severe LE injuries were included, with 3443 patients requiring LE amputation. After successful matching, patients sustaining LE amputation still experienced significantly higher rates of PE (4.2% vs. 2.5%, p ​< ​0.001) and DVT (6.5% vs. 3.4%, p ​< ​0.001). A sensitivity analysis examining patients with isolated major LE trauma similarly showed a higher rate of thromboembolic complications, including higher incidences of PE (3.2% vs. 2.0%, p ​= ​0.015) and DVT (4.7% vs. 2.6%, p ​< ​0.001). In this nationwide analysis, traumatic lower extremity amputation is associated with a significantly higher risk of VTE events, including PE and DVT. [Display omitted] •Traumatic lower extremity amputation and the risk of venous thromboembolism.•Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis were more prevalent in traumatic amputees.•Traumatic amputation as a newly uncovered risk factor for VTE – scoring systems research.

Service members who have experienced combat trauma with resulting amputation are at risk for compromised quality of life postamputation. Monitoring mental and physical health in amputees returning from the war is of paramount importance. This study examined changes in physical and mental health-related quality of life in service members following traumatic unilateral, transtibial amputation (TTA) during a 12-week period of rehabilitation before and after receiving a prosthesis. This study is a secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of military service members starting Military Amputee Rehabilitation Program (MARP) following a traumatic TTA. The study examined change in SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores as two aspects of health-related quality of life. Forty-four injured service members, aged 19 to 46, were recruited into the RCT. Participants were randomized into 12 weeks of MARP plus home neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy (n = 23) or MARP alone (N = 21) and compared at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks on: SF-36 PCS and MCS scores. Linear mixed models examined time and group differences and their interaction for the MCS and PCS scores. A multivariate mixed model tested whether MCS and PCS scores differed. For the combined rehabilitation cohort, MCS did not differ over 12 weeks (p = 0.27) with scores at week 0 of M = 56.7 (SD = 11.9) and at week 12 of M = 52.7 (SD = 11.4), similar to healthy controls (age = 25-34, M = 51.0, SD = 7.6). Scores did not differ between treatment groups (p = 0.28) with no group by time interaction (p = 0.34). The MCS significantly declined over time (p = 0.05) after adjustment for covariates. PCS improved over 12 weeks (p < 0.0001) in the total rehabilitation group with scores at week 0 of M = 34.0 (SD = 8.1) to M = 41.8 (SD = 8.4) at week 12, significantly lower than healthy controls (age = 25-34, M = 54.1, SD = 6.6). Scores did not differ between treatment groups (p = 0.89), and there was no group by time interaction (p = 0.34). An interaction between the PCS and MCS was observed such that the PCS improved over time, whereas the MCS did not significantly change (p = 0.0005). War-injured transtibial amputees are at risk for compromised quality of life during rehabilitation. Self-perceived physical health improved as might be expected from rehabilitation. Self-perceived mental health did not. During rehabilitation, physical healing, psychological adjustment, and lifestyle adaptation are occurring simultaneously. However, more attention may need to be directed toward mental health during rehabilitation.

Traumatic arm amputations can be treated with replantation or surgical formalization of the stump with or without subsequent prosthetic fitting. In the literature, many authors suggest the superiority of replantation. This systematic review compared available literature to analyze whether replantation is functionally and psychologically more profitable than formalization and prosthetic fitting in patients with traumatic arm amputation. Functional outcome and satisfaction levels were recorded of patients with amputation levels below elbow, through elbow, and above elbow. Functional outcomes of 301 replantation patients and 172 prosthesis patients were obtained. In the replantation group, good or excellent functional scores were reported in 39% of above elbow, 55% of through elbow, and 50% of below elbow amputation cases. Nearly 100% of patients were satisfied with the replanted limb. In the prosthesis group, full use of the prosthesis was attained in 48% of above elbow and in 89% of below elbow amputation patients. Here, 29% of patients elected not to use the prosthesis for reasons including pain and functional superfluity. In both replantation patients and prosthesis wearers, a below elbow amputation yielded better functional results than higher amputation levels. Replantation of a traumatically amputated arm leads to good function and higher satisfaction rates than a prosthesis, regardless of the objective functional outcome. Sensation and psychological well-being seem the two major advantages of replantation over a prosthesis. The current review of the available literature shows that in carefully selected cases replantation could be the preferred option of treatment.

Purpose Amputation is a life changing event that can significantly impact an individual’s physical and mental well-being. Our objective was to review literature exploring the impact of amputation upon a person’s functioning and inclusion in the workplace. Methods Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched using keywords related to amputation, employment and community reintegration. Eligible studies were published since 2000 and one of the following study designs: randomized controlled trial, non-randomized controlled trial, retrospective study, prospective study, concurrent cohort study, or cross sectional study. Studies for civilians with amputation as well as service members and Veterans with amputation were considered for inclusion. Results The search identified 995 articles, 25 of which met inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the review. While strong evidence for correlations and predictors of outcomes after amputation were limited, multiple factors were identified as contributing to physical functioning and employment after amputation. Conclusions Outcomes after amputation can vary widely with many potentially inter-related factors contributing. The factors identified may also serve to inform the development of interventions aiming to improve functional performance and reintegration after amputation. Furthermore, the review highlights the need for more high quality prospective studies.

Qualitative descriptive. The lack of sensory feedback in today's hand prostheses has been in focus recently but the amputees' experiences need to be further investigated. To explore forearm amputees' views of prosthesis use and sensory feedback. Thirteen unilateral congenital or traumatic forearm amputees were interviewed. The transcribed text was subjected to content analysis. Prostheses both facilitate and limit occupational performance. Appearance is important for identity and blending into society. The feeling of agency regarding the prostheses is present but not that of body ownership. Future expectations concerned improved mobility, cosmetics, and sensory feedback. This study allows a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between a prosthetic device and the wearer. Today's prostheses allow the wearer to feel agency concerning the artificial limb but the lack of sensory feedback seems to be an important factor still blocking the achievement of body ownership of the prosthesis. Not applicable.

Background The majority of published literature clinically assesses surgical outcomes after lower limb replantation for traumatic amputations. However, patients’ satisfaction and quality of life may not be accurately measured through rigid scoring using standardized patient reported outcome measures. Purpose The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess patient satisfaction and factors associated with achieving good outcomes after successful lower limb replantation surgery. Methods A semi-structured interview was conducted with 12 patients who underwent lower limb replantation surgery following traumatic amputation injuries. The interview focused on the patients’ experience and satisfaction throughout their injury, surgical journey, rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities. An inductive and deductive thematic analysis was applied using the recorded transcripts to evaluate the overall satisfaction of the patients after lower limb replantation surgery. Results The following observations emerged from the structured themes among all the patients interviewed: (1) Family and social support was significantly associated with improved qualities of life and satisfaction after lower limb replantation; (2) Patients were generally satisfied with their outcomes despite limitations in physical capabilities; (3) Satisfaction was associated with acceptance of their cosmetic deformity; (4) Social integration and being able to participate in a meaningful manner was associated with greater satisfaction after recovery. Conclusions Patients who undergo lower limb replantation can have a significantly improved quality of life if they have strong social support, are able to contribute in a meaningful manner to their communities after surgery, and are accepting of their cosmetic deficiencies.

Background This study aimed to investigate the impact of precision rehabilitation-oriented, bundled nursing interventions on postoperative functional recovery and psychological resilience in patients who had undergone digital replantation surgery. Method The study adopted a non-randomized controlled trial design. Between January 2021 and January 2025, 64 patients who underwent single-finger replantation were enrolled from a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang Province. Patients were grouped postoperatively based on whether bundled care was implemented.The control group (n = 32) received routine nursing care, while the intervention group (n = 32) received the bundled nursing intervention in addition to routine care. The changes in the GSES scores before and after the intervention were compared between the two groups. Additionally, functional recovery of the affected digit was assessed six months post-surgery. Quality of life was measured using the QL-Index, and patient satisfaction was evaluated using a modified 5-point Likert scale. Results Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in GSES scores between the two groups ( P  > 0.05). After the intervention, GSES scores in both groups had increased from baseline. Moreover, the post-intervention scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P  < 0.05). Six months after surgery, the intervention group showed higher rates of excellent or good recovery in digital motor function (84.4% vs 62.5%), along with significantly greater improvement in quality of life (84.4% vs 56.3%), and higher levels of satisfaction (90.6% vs 81.2%) compared to the control group. The differences in rank distributions between groups were statistically significant (all P  < 0.05). Conclusion Precision rehabilitation-oriented bundled nursing interventions may contribute to functional recovery and enhance psychological resistance in patients after digital replantation.

As digit amputations can profoundly affect hand function and quality of life, insight into their anatomical distribution, etiology, and epidemiology is fundamental to improving treatment and prevention. This retrospective study investigates 2,179 digit amputations in 1,768 patients treated between April 2005 and December 2021 at a German Level I trauma center, excluding successful replantations. The cohort was predominantly male (89.1%) with a median age of 49 years (IQR: 34–61) and age peaks at 20–30 and 40–60 years. Occupational injuries accounted for 38.7% of cases, more frequent among males and those under 40. Temporal trends showed seasonal peaks in July and September and increased incidence on Fridays and Saturdays. Sharp injuries were the leading cause, followed by blunt trauma and avulsion. The index finger was most frequently affected, with the distal interphalangeal joint being the most common amputation level among Long fingers. Multiple digit amputations occurred in 17.5% of cases and predominantly in patients suffering from leisure trauma. This study provides a detailed epidemiological and etiological analysis of digit amputations, revealing a young, male-dominated cohort with a significant proportion of occupational trauma. The findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies and informed planning of trauma care resources.

Background Amputations in general and amputations of upper extremities, in particular, have a major impact on patients’ lives. There are only a few long-term follow-up reports of patients after macro-replantation. We present our findings in contrast with the existing literature. Methods Sixteen patients with traumatic macro-amputation of an upper extremity were eligible for inclusion in this study. Altogether, the patients underwent replantation in 3 institutions between 1983 and 2011. Results Twelve male and four female patients with an average age at injury of 40.6 years (range, 14–61 years) were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 13.5 years (range, 4.4–32.6 years; SD, 5.7 years). The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome measure was 41 (range, 5.2–94.8; SD, 18.2), functional independence measurement (FIM) was 125 (range, 120–126; SD, 1.8). Chen I representing very good function was accounted in six, Chen II representing good function in eight, Chen III (fair) in one and Chen IV (bad function) in one patient. Conclusions We found that while the majority of the included patients exhibited good or very good function of the extremity, none of the replanted appendages regained normal levels of functionality. In addition, all participants were very satisfied with their outcomes. Positive long-term results with high rates of subjective satisfaction are possible after replantation of upper extremities.