Treatment for upper limb malformation in different areas of the world

• Children with upper limb malformation may present with deficiencies in many ways and the treatment that they are offered may vary greatly around the world. Handsmart is a volunteer organization with the mission to support and empower people world-wide who are engaged in this field of rehabilitation through www.handsmart.org. A web-based survey was used to gather data about treatment for children with upper limb malformation in different areas of the world. Sixty-eight respondents from 18 countries representing Oceania, Asia, Europe, and North America with 35 occupational therapists, 6 physiotherapists, 23 prosthetists, and four other health care professionals participated. Only five countries do not have governmental funding for the provision of care for people with upper limb loss. Intervention is guided by the presentation of the limb. Most surgical procedures are made for functional benefits. Not all respondents report that they fit body-powered prostheses for children. The majority of respondents stated that training is offered for use of the prosthesis in their country. In some clinics (12 of 68 respondents), no treatment other than functional prostheses is provided for these children. Overuse or repetitive strain injuries are common with this population, especially as children age into adolescence and adulthood. Many people stated they would like to see clear guidelines used by multi-disciplinary teams to fit children. Recommendations should include treatment guidelines and follow-up practices.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsterapi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Therapy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Upper limb

prostheses

child

Occupational therapy

Arbetsterapi

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)