Upper Limb Prosthetics - Value of Specialized Rehabilitation with Trauma and Amputations

Purpose: identify if specialized rehabilitation can influence the cost and outcome of individuals with body trauma and upper extremity amputations.

Method: Ten year retrospective chart review of clients through our Amputee Clinic was done to identify if differences existed based upon: timeframe of referral; rehabilitation program length; ADL independence and return to work; prosthetic use

Results: Differences were noted between clients based upon referral timeframe to specialized rehabilitation. Early referral exhibited higher level of return to work/school and prosthetic use. Higher medical costs and inappropriate prosthesis were noted with clients with late referral.

Conclusions: Referral to specialized rehabilitation personnel with an Amputee Clinic can foster quicker return to functional performance with less medical costs.