Stats & Demographics:
- What is the most likely cause of losing an arm?
- Are there more women or men without an arm? (thinking about gender related activities)
- What is the average income of someone who lost an arm?
- How long does it take for amputees to get adjusted to average daily life after losing an arm?
- What is the job outlook for someone with 1 arm? Do they need to find other sources of employment or keep the same job prior to an amputation?
- How many amputees get artificial limbs?
The most common cause of losing an arm is due to vascular disease and trauma and nearly half of those who have an amputation due to vascular disease die within 5 years. Men are at far greater risk for traumatic amputation than women are due to various risky activities that men are more involved in than women (motorcycling, war devastations, car accidents, etc.). There are many disability services available for those who suffer from an amputation – there are many sources of compensation available (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain, etc.). About 27%-56% of those with upper limb amputations get prosthetic limbs. An article titled, A Review of Employment Patterns of Industrial Amputees, studied work-related incidents resulting in amputations in Ontario, Canada. Their results showed that 95% of the amputee population was male and 5% were male. Additionally, they ranged from 14-64 years of age. Another interesting statistic was that 56% of the upper limb amputees had their dominant side affected. About 89% of the respondents reported a return to work following their amputation.
https://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/limb-loss-statistics/
https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/04/28/239_limb_prosthetics_services_devices.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/arm-amputation
http://www.oandplibrary.org/poi/1985_02_069.asp
Current Products:
- Is any new technology being developed to help people with 1 arm?
- Are there companies that are currently focused on creating products for people with one arm?
- https://www.rehab-store.com/c-one-handed.html
- https://blog.thewrightstuff.com/one-handed-kitchen-products/
- https://www.pinterest.com/1stCHESS/adaptive-equipment-for-an-individual-with-use-of-o/
- https://www.amazon.com/one-handed-gadgets/s?k=one+handed+gadgets
- https://www.allegromedical.com/products/one-handed-canister-set-set-of-3-canisters-pack-of-3/?sourcecode=SGKB&utm_source=roirevolution&utm_medium=shop&utm_campaign=Shopping%2BComparison%2BSites&sourcecode=allegro&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5oiMBhDtARIsAJi0qk3VcFxZKVb1NThtyP7OPQsxKhOyK85blDPk74VyXlLQWmxgk_xSy2EaApIHEALw_wcB
- https://www.rehab-store.com/p-therafin-one-handed-nail-care-center.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5oiMBhDtARIsAJi0qk0oP2GW67j0VQ2Ikh-Y92tausRvqzybaJEB0mvIWVmqxSjlTVyZL1AaAs32EALw_wcB
- What products weren’t specifically designed to help someone who lost an arm but do?
- Those multiple bag carriers, tight top remover, electric can opener, on hand strainer, Lemon squeezer
There are a variety of products on the market like multiple bag carriers, electric can openers, one hand strainers, etc that help people with only one hand but aren’t necessarily meant to do this. These products make life easier for people with or without both arms. There are also currently many products on the market geared at people with one hand but these products don’t seem like the best options or quality. Most don’t have good reviews and are very expensive which can be a big issue. Some of these products include one handed knives, bowls that stop the food in a corner, cutting boards that hold food to cut, etc. These products aim to make life easier but most technology isn’t focused on what the people want. The article by the NY Times explains that most products focus on normal but that isn’t necessarily what the people want. (NYTIMES)
Current Events:
- Is any research being conducted currently on people with 1 arm?
The Edith Cowan University is currently studying how beneficial different exercises can be towards rehabilitation. Research prior to this current study showed that eccentric exercises may benefit people who have had a stroke and are unable to use an arm. These exercises are supposed to reduce the loss of muscle.So far though, they have found that there are no varying differences between doing eccentric and concentric exercises.
- Are there any new discoveries for people with only one arm?
A new surgery called agonist-antagonist myoneural interface is being developed. This is a new type of surgery for amputees that changes how they go about amputating them. Normally, they sever the muscle pairs and prevent them from working together. Due to this method people suffer from phantom limb syndrome. In this new surgery the muscle pairings are reconnected and it has given patients a much better experience with their amputation.
For Amputees, a New Kind of Surgery May Allow Better Control, Sensation | Health News | US News
There is new technology for a bionic leg. This leg connects directly with a person’s nervous system and will make it easier to do everyday tasks. Although this is not arm related, it is still good to note since they may use similar technology to improve arm prosthetics.
SENSY Bionic Leg Gets Limited FDA Approval | Amplitude (livingwithamplitude.com)
- Is there ongoing awareness and limb loss prevention happening?
At the moment, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes are the major causes of amputations needing to be performed. The American Heart Association has started a campaign to reduce 20% of people who have amputations from these diseases. They found that very rural areas have a lack of necessary resources and medical care options. By increasing the accessibility of good healthcare options they believe they can reduce the number of PAD cases per year.
Heart Association Sheds Light on Amputation Rates | Amplitude (livingwithamplitude.com)
- How is COVID impacting the use of resources towards helping this cause?
Research that recently came out showed that the amount of amputations increased during COVID-19. This was due to an increased rate of infections that led to patients needing amputations to survive. In Ohio a trauma center stated their rate of amputations increased by 11 times.
Unsalvageable: Preventable Amputations Rise During COVID (webmd.com)
Standards & Best Practices:
- Are there training programs available for those with 1 arm?
- Is physical therapy needed and/or covered for those with only 1 arm?
- Are there standards for products that help people who only have one arm?
Although there are few programs for those who live with one arm, there are plenty of ways for amputees to adjust to life. Most commonly recent amputees will go through physical therapy. Through physical therapy they will learn to adjust to their new way of life, as well as learn how to become more comfortable in overcoming their new disability. Some standards that are put in place for people with one arm are operable parts. Although we may not realize it, these parts are meant to be able to be operated with a single arm. These parts are a fire alarm, water fountain, stoves, elevators, and some door handles. Although there are no specific standards for creating products for amputees when a company is designing a product for an amputee they keep the context of use in mind. Some of these products include special shoe horns, utensils, or products to help them get dressed.
https://www.rehab-store.com/c-one-handed.html
https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-above-knee-amputation
https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-3-operable-parts/