Health concerns of veterans with high-level lower extremity amputations

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to identify health concerns of veterans with high-level lower extremity amputations.MethodsThrough a cross-sectional study, general practitioners, an orthopedic specialist, psychologists, psychiatrists, physiotherapist and prosthetists examined 100 veterans using a short-form health-related quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) that assessed their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and life satisfaction (SWLS) after hip disarticulation or hemi-pelvectomy amputations. The assessment tool was designed to gather statistically useful information about their health needs.ResultsThe means of the Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS), SWLS, ADL and IADL were 48.58 ± 29.6, 33.33 ± 22.0, 19.30 ± 7.7, 48.10 ± 10.5 and 5.08 ± 1.8, respectively. Somatization, depression, and anxiety were the most prevalent disorders; among the veterans who were visited by psychiatrists, 11.6% had a history of hospitalization in a psychiatry section, and 53.2% had a psychiatric visit. Regardless of their injury in battle, 34% of veterans were hospitalized. Hearing problems were common, and about four-fifths of the participants suffered from at least one orthopedic condition. Neuroma (49%) was the most common stump-related complication during orthopedic evaluations, though the prevalence of phantom pain was 81% during the pain assessment. A total of 87% of the participants had a history of wearing a prosthesis, but only 29% wore a prosthesis at the time of the present study. The Canadian-type of prosthesis was uncomfortable and not useful (27%) and excessively heavy (10%) according to the amputees.ConclusionsUnderstanding veterans’ characteristics and special needs are important to make sure that enough facilities and services are afforded to them. These findings emphasize the importance of paying close attention to different dimensions of health in veterans and can help health providers identify health needs and make regular assessments.

The War after War: Volumetric Muscle Loss Incidence, Implication, Current Therapies and Emerging Reconstructive Strategies, a Comprehensive Review

“…Nevertheless, for patients with extensive injuries, issues do not end at the acute treatment phase, and most of them require long-term rehabilitation and post-acute services to optimize recovery, allowing reintegration into military service and daily life. Moreover, during the years following injury, the risks to develop secondary adverse health effects (e.g., depression, obesity, and chronic pain) are high and could heavily affect the patient’s quality of life, especially younger ones [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

Research on Data Mining Application of Orthopedic Rehabilitation Information for Smart Medical

“…The rigid demand for medical services in China is constantly expanding, and the medical resources are relatively insufficient [1]. To this end, various government departments have actively studied and introduced relevant policies to promote the development of Internet medical care.…”

Veteran resilience following combat-related amputation

“…Modern military combat deployments present a higher prevalence of traumatic amputations than the general population 8 and battlefield injuries account for the majority of longterm forms of disability among Veterans. 9 Challenges with these combat injuries include diffi cult decisions whether to rehabilitate or amputate a damaged limb (i.e., limb salvage). 10 Chronic pain and signifi cant func tional impairment aft er a combat amputation are very common.…”

“…11 Additionally, a high prevalence of Veterans with combat amputations meet criteria for psychologi cal disorders including mood disorders, substance abuse and anxiety disorders. [9][10] In the face of these challenges, many Veterans with combat amputations marry, have children, and seek employment. 8 Indeed, families share many of the burdens of combat amputation including major life changes that are precipitated by adjustment to accessibility, mobility and to prosthetic devices as well as coordinating ongoing healthcare and chang es in income and employment.…”