Ageing, limb-loss, and military veterans: A systematic review of the literature

Caddick, Nick, Cullen, Helen, Clarke, Amanda, Fossey, Matt, Harrington, Barbara, Hill, Michael, McGill, Gill, Greaves, Jane, Taylor, Teri and Kiernan, Matt (2019) Ageing, limb-loss, and military veterans: A systematic review of the literature. Ageing & Society, 39 (8). pp. 1582-1610. ISSN 0144-686X

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Abstract

The impact of losing a limb in military service extends well beyond initial recovery and rehabilitation, with long-term consequences and challenges requiring health-care commitments across the lifecourse. This paper presents a systematic review of the current state of knowledge regarding the long-term impact of ageing and limb-loss in military veterans. Key databases were systematically searched including: ASSIA, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline, Web of Science, PsycArticles/PsychInfo, ProQuest Psychology and ProQuest Sociology Journals, and SPORTSDiscus. Empirical studies which focused on the long-term impact of limb-loss and/or health-care requirements in veterans were included. The search process revealed 30 papers relevant for inclusion. These papers focused broadly on four themes: (a) long-term health outcomes, prosthetics use and quality of life; (b) long-term psycho-social adaptation and coping with limb-loss; (c) disability and identity; and (d) estimating the long-term costs of care and prosthetic provision. Findings present a compelling case for ensuring the long-term care needs and costs of rehabilitation for older limbless veterans are met. A dearth of information on the lived experience of limb-loss and the needs of veterans’ families calls for further research to address these important issues.

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