About the self-reported quality of life after amputation of the hand in patients with upper extremity tumors

Purpose/Background: Amputation proximal to the wrist may be oncologically dictated in cases of upper extremity soft tissue sarcoma and aggressive fibromatosis. Literature on functional long-term results and patient-oriented assessment is sparse. Our study is concerned with subjective impressions of quality of life and upper extremity health status and their importance in the evaluation and interpretation of results after amputation of the hand. Patients/Methods: Between 1999 and 2007, 14 patients (6 females/8 males; average age: 25 years) were operated because of a soft tissue sarcoma (n = 11) or aggressive Fibromatosis (n = 3). Ten patients underwent limb-sparing surgery. There were two amputations at the level of the forearm. Local recurrence following forequarter amputation due to aggressive fibromatosis required reoperation in another patient. A heterotopic replantation after resection was carried out in one patient. In patients with amputations, the self-reported upper extremity-specific health status and quality of life were measured with the DASH score. Disturbances in body image and symptoms of depression were assessed psychiatrically. Results: In two cases with amputations, minimal impairments in everyday life and a high reported quality of life were observed (DASH scores: 3,5). Conclusion: Self-reported upper extremity health status and quality of life following amputation of the hand can be in contrast to the objective pathology. In patient-oriented assessment of results, individual psychosocial factors that may affect results must be taken into consideration. They also must not be neglected when determining whether patients are suitable candidates for prosthetic devices.