UPPER-LIMB PROSTHETIC USE IN SLOVENIA

The article deals with the use of different types of upper limb prosth eses in Slovenia. Four hundred and fourteen upper limb amputees were s ent a questionnaire on the type of their prosthesis, its use and reaso ns for non-use, respectively. The replies were subject to statistical analysis. Most of the questioned upper limb amputees (70%) wear a pros thesis only for cosmesis. The use of a prosthesis depends on the level of upper limb amputation, loss of the dominant hand, and time from am putation. Prosthetic success appears to be unrelated to age at the tim e of amputation and the rehabilitation programme. The most frequent re ason for not wearing a prosthesis is heat and consequent sweating of t he stump. More than a third of amputees are dissatisfied with their pr ostheses.