The Psychological Impact of Severe Hand Injury

The final outcome of severe hand injuries is not solely determined by the residual functional impairment, but is also a function of non-functional criteria, including the sequelae of the accompanying psychological trauma. This paper reviews the literature with respect to the psychological impact of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of hand surgery, European volume European volume, 2008-06, Vol.33 (3), p.358-362
Main Authors: GROB, M., PAPADOPULOS, N. A., ZIMMERMANN, A., BIEMER, E., KOVACS, L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Amputation, Traumatic - psychology
Biological and medical sciences
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Hand Injuries - complications
Hand Injuries - psychology
Humans
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous
Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects)
Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
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Summary:The final outcome of severe hand injuries is not solely determined by the residual functional impairment, but is also a function of non-functional criteria, including the sequelae of the accompanying psychological trauma. This paper reviews the literature with respect to the psychological impact of severe hand injuries, including the special impact of amputations, adaptation processes, adaptation stages, prognostic criteria and aesthetic issues influencing the final individual outcome, including present recommendations for promoting a positive outcome. Motivated and psychologically stable people are reported to do well irrespective of the severity of a hand injury. In patients who find it difficult to cope mentally, successful treatment strategies have been proposed. Their implementation is in a constant state of evolution and includes not only improved surgical techniques and advanced pharmacological pain management but also early psychotherapeutic input and involvement of patients in decision making for treatment.
ISSN:1753-1934
2043-6289
DOI:10.1177/1753193407087026