Musculoskeletal complaints in individuals with finger or partial hand amputations in the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in individuals with finger or partial hand amputations (FPHAs) with a control group and to explore the effect and predictors of MSCs in individuals with FPHAs.Method: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The primary outcome measures were: prevalence of MSCs, health status, pain-related disability, physical work demands, work productivity, and hand function.Results: The response rate was 61%. A comparable proportion of individuals with FPHAs (n = 99) and controls (n = 102) reported MSCs in the preceding 4 weeks (33% vs. 28%, respectively) or in the preceding year (37% vs. 33%, respectively). Individuals with FPHAs with MSCs experienced more pain than controls with MSCs. Regular occurrence of stump sensations and self-reported limited range of motion (ROM) of the wrist of the affected limb were predictors for MSCs in individuals with FPHAs.Conclusions: The prevalence of MSCs was comparable in individuals with FPHAs and controls. However, clinicians should pay special attention to the risk of developing MSCs in patients with stump sensations and limited ROM of the wrist of the affected limb. Future research should focus on the role of wrist movements and compensatory movements in the development of MSCs in individuals with FPHAs.Implications for RehabilitationThe prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in individuals with finger or partial hand amputations (FPHAs) and control subjects was similar.Regular occurrence of stump sensations and limited range of motion of the wrist of the affected limb were predictors of developing MSCs in individuals with FPHAs.Clinicians should pay special attention to individuals with FPHAs with the presence of these predictors of developing MSCs.For a better understanding of the development of and treatment options for MSCs, future research focusing on the role of wrist function in the development of MSCs in individuals with FPHAs is necessary.