Prosthetic Management of Children with Unilateral Congenital Below-Elbow Deficiency

Abstract

This study supports the initial prosthetic fitting for a child with unilateral congenital below-elbow deficiency prior to the age of three years, the provision of intensive training under the direction of an occupational therapist when an active terminal device is applied, and utilization of a variety of prosthetic designs over the child's years of growth. Further analysis of outcomes for the prosthetic management of these children will require more precise definitions of outcome in multiple domains and the development and validation of specific outcome instruments.