Overuse Syndrome and the Unilateral Upper Limb Amputee: Consequences and Prevention

In Brief The upper limb amputee is at risk for overuse syndrome at some point in his or her life. Although this is recognized by most prosthetists, there is currently no empirical research available to support the prevalence of overuse injuries in upper limb amputees, nor is there any research that addresses how to recognize and treat overuse symptoms before they become serious injuries in this patient population. By performing a literature review of empirical research pertaining to patients who are prone to acquiring overuse injuries, such as athletes and musicians, this article will provide descriptions of repetitive stress on the major joints of the upper extremities, and discuss how this information can be used to recognize and minimize overuse injuries in upper limb amputees. The upper limb amputee likely will experience overuse syndrome at some point in his or her life. Although this is recognized by most prosthetists, there is currently no empirical research available to support the prevalence of overuse injuries in upper limb amputees, nor is there any research that addresses how to recognize and treat overuse symptoms before they become serious injuries in this patient population. By performing a literature review of empirical research pertaining to patients who are prone to acquiring overuse injuries, such as athletes and musicians, this paper will provide descriptions of repetitive stress on the major joints of the upper extremities, as well as discuss how this information can be used to recognize and minimize overuse injuries in upper limb amputees.