Save that arm: a study of problems in the remaining arm of unilateral upper limb amputees.

A study has been made by questionnaire, personal examination and telephone interview of unilateral upper limb amputees seen at the Prince Henry Hospital, Australia between 1994 and 1997. There were 60 questionnaires posted. Replies were received from 46. Problems were noted in the remaining arm of 23 (50%). The respondents' problems not only consisted of overuse symptoms, but also of an exacerbation of pre-existing arthritis and injury due to trauma to the remaining arm during the accident. Case histories are given in 3 typical cases. Treating professionals are warned about the hazards that one arm amputations present to the remaining arm.