Functional Outcome Scores With Standard Myoelectric Prostheses In Below-Elbow Amputees

Objective To report normative outcome data of prosthetic hand function in below elbow amputees using four different objective measurements closely related to activities of daily living (ADL). Design Seventeen patients who underwent prosthetic fitting after unilateral below-elbow amputation were enrolled in this study. Global upper extremity function was evaluated using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP), the Clothespin-Relocation Test (CPRT) and the Box and Block Test (BBT), which monitor hand and extremity function. Results The patients achieved a mean ARAT score of 35.06 ± 4.42 of 57. The average SHAP score was 65.12 ± 13.95 points. The mean time for the CPRT was 22.57 ± 7.50 seconds and the mean score in the BBT was 20.90 ± 5.74. Conclusions In the current economic situation of health care systems, demonstrating the effectiveness and necessity of rehabilitation interventions is of major importance. This study reports outcome data of below-elbow amputees and provides a useful guide for expected prosthetic user performance. Correspondence: Oskar C. Aszmann, MD, Div. of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dept. of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, AUSTRIA, Tel.: 0043 1 40400 69940; Fax.: 0043 1 40400 69880, Email: oskar.aszmann@meduniwien.ac.at Authors Disclosures: The authors have no competing interests to declare. This work was supported by the Christian Doppler Research Foundation a subdivision of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth, the Austrian Council for Research and Technology Development. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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