TABLE II.

Common Themes

Theme	Comments
Discomfort or pain on side with amputation or limb difference	Prosthesis sockets and harnesses were a source of discomfort or pain. Additionally, device weight and effort required to use prostheses resulted in fatigue in the arm, shoulders, and back.
Overuse syndrome	Compensatory movements and overuse of the sound side led to pain. In some cases, concern was expressed about future disability if pain continued to increase. Pain in the form of tendinitis, arthritis, and/or carpal tunnel was common.
Wholeness	Prosthesis users expressed successful function or appropriate cosmesis as feeling “whole.” This theme emerged in conversation about being able to function independently; being whole in their relationships and function within their family; and being whole in a professional, social, or public setting.
Difficulty with precise hand or finger movements	Several participants expressed frustration with at least one daily activity in which the precision of prosthesis movements was inadequate. Examples included typing on a keyboard or phone, using silverware to eat, and buttoning or unbuttoning shirts or pants.
Prosthesis use in a professional environment	Participants mentioned using their prostheses at work. Certain activities, such as typing, were said to be tiring and could lead to overuse and pain in the sound limb.
Impact of recent bilateral amputation	Participants with bilateral amputation were both recent amputees. They indicated a need for assistance throughout the day to accomplish activities of daily living, whereas individuals with recent unilateral amputation required very little or no assistance. Participants with recent bilateral amputation reported that they engage in little physical activity because they require assistance with many tasks, leading to some social isolation and frustration with the inability to engage in activities that were possible prior to amputation.