Article

OBJECTIVE: (1) To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs)
in individuals with upper limb absence in The Netherlands, (2) to assess the
health status of individuals with upper limb absence in general and in relation
to the presence of MSCs, and (3) to explore the predictors of development of MSCs
and MSC-related disability in this population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study: national survey. SETTING: Twelve rehabilitation centers and orthopedic workshops.
PARTICIPANTS: Individuals
(n=263; mean age, 50.7+/-16.7y; 60% men) >/=18 years
old, with transverse upper limb reduction deficiency (42%) or amputation (58%) at
or proximal to the carpal level (response, 45%) and 108 individuals without upper
limb reduction deficiency or amputation (n=108; mean age, 50.6+/-15.7y; 65% men)
(N=371). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Point and year
prevalence of MSCs, MSC-related disability (Pain Disability Index), and general
health perception and mental health (RAND-36 subscales). RESULTS: Point and year
prevalence of MSCs were almost twice as high in individuals with upper limb
absence (57% and 65%, respectively) compared with individuals without upper limb
absence (27% and 34%, respectively) and were most often located in the
nonaffected limb and upper back/neck. MSCs were associated with decreased general
health perception and mental health and higher perceived upper extremity work
demands. Prosthesis use was not related to presence of MSCs. Clinically relevant
predictors of MSCs were middle age, being divorced/widowed, and lower mental
health. Individuals with upper limb absence experienced more MSC-related
disability than individuals without upper limb absence. Higher age, more pain,
lower general and mental health, and not using a prosthesis were related to
higher disability. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of MSCs is a frequent problem in
individuals with upper limb absence and is associated with decreased general and
mental health. Mental health and physical work demands should be taken into
account when assessing such a patient. Clinicians should note that MSC-related
disability increases with age.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS