A Comparison of the Effect of the Aesthetics of Digital Cosmetic Prostheses on Body Image and Well-Being

Abstract

In Brief The aims of this study were to investigate patient satisfaction with silicon and polyvinylchloride (PVC) digital prostheses, and to examine the relationship between subjective body image and emotional status. Subjects included all patients with digital or partial hand amputation (n = 17) in the database of the Disablement Services Centre at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, United Kingdom. A database analysis identified the subjects. Their records were analyzed, demographic details extracted, and the method of injury documented, and individuals were divided into two groups, according to the type of prosthesis with which they had been provided. A postal survey was conducted comprising the Attitude to Artificial Limbs Questionnaire (AALQ), the adapted Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. The results were then subjected to statistical analysis. In the AALQ, a comparison of the means showed lower scores in the PVC group (p = 0.579). In the BIQ, there was little difference between the means (p = 0.665). In the HAD, the mean scores for anxiety and depression were lower in the silicon group (p = 0.109 and p = 0.009, respectively). Conclusions were: 1) most digital amputations are performed in males after industrial injuries; 2) patients with silicon digital prostheses clinically have a better attitude toward their prostheses; 3) there was little difference in body image; 4) patients with silicon digital prostheses experienced less anxiety and depression, but only depression was statistically significant. These results suggest that enhanced cosmesis implies greater psychological well-being independently of body image. Enhanced cosmesis also raises the importance of clinical significance over statistical significance, especially in small studies. The aims of this study were to investigate patient satisfaction with silicon and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) digital prostheses, and to examine the relationship between subjective body image and emotional status. The results suggest that enhanced cosmesis implies greater psychological well-being independently of body image and raises the importance of clinical significance over statistical significance.