That does indeed seem to be the reason. As the article states it: "[T]he Krukenberg procedure's poor cosmesis makes it very rare [...]"
I'm sure self-image is a complicated consideration when someone is dealing with an amputation, I can't imagine trying to assess what the right choice for another person would be in that kind of situation. But surgeons straight out refusing to perform it seems extreme, based on the limited information provided in the article.
I doubt this is that good for the joints in the elbow, as the two bones normally hinge in parallel. Patient self-image seems to be the main reason though.
I imagine the reason is side effects, like additional long-term pain for the patient, compared to having to just a stump. As far as I know, those things are hard to predict (and mitigate if present).
But I'm by no means an expert, that's just a semi-educated guess.
I wonder if you could use this surgery combined with a specialised prosthetic arm to create movable yet simple replacement hands.
Imagine a prosthetic arm with a hollow body and a hand that can open and close in a simple fashion. Run a hydraulic pipe from the artificial hand up to the pincer and secure the presses/cylinders at both ends.
When the amputee closes their pincer inside the artificial arm the prosthetic hand would then close. Differing amounts of pressure would allow the amputee to exert different amounts of pressure to grip, pick up and move objects.
Also, there would be no electronics to go wrong. Hydraulics are very stable, cheap and reliable technology!
Googling for "Krukenberg hands" gives an better image of what this procedure does. Basically it turns the forearm bones into two very long stiff fingers.
Bit of a flippant tone, but I found this video that shows a man who had the procedure after bilateral amputation following an accident with dynamite. He sounds pretty satisfied with it.
[+] [-] griffinheart|7 years ago|reply
> It remains in use today for certain special cases but is considered controversial and some surgeons refuse to perform it.
I imagine there's a reason, but I hope its not "doesn't look good"
[+] [-] kadoban|7 years ago|reply
I'm sure self-image is a complicated consideration when someone is dealing with an amputation, I can't imagine trying to assess what the right choice for another person would be in that kind of situation. But surgeons straight out refusing to perform it seems extreme, based on the limited information provided in the article.
[+] [-] tomatotomato37|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] blauditore|7 years ago|reply
But I'm by no means an expert, that's just a semi-educated guess.
[+] [-] barry0079|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] UncleSlacky|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] wasd884|7 years ago|reply
Imagine a prosthetic arm with a hollow body and a hand that can open and close in a simple fashion. Run a hydraulic pipe from the artificial hand up to the pincer and secure the presses/cylinders at both ends.
When the amputee closes their pincer inside the artificial arm the prosthetic hand would then close. Differing amounts of pressure would allow the amputee to exert different amounts of pressure to grip, pick up and move objects.
Also, there would be no electronics to go wrong. Hydraulics are very stable, cheap and reliable technology!
[+] [-] aequitas|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] dtf|7 years ago|reply
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8yMNuNgxyo