Affiliations: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA | University of Michigan Orthotic and Prosthetic Center,
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan
Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA | Brachial Plexus Palsy Program, Department of
Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA | University of Michigan Medical School, C.S. Mott
Children's Hospital, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Brian M. Kelly, D.O., Department of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, 325 Eisenhower,
Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA. Tel.: +1 734 647 6954; Fax: +1 734 615
6713; E-mail: brikelly@med.umich.edu
Abstract: Children with limb deficiencies/amputations are best managed by a
multidisciplinary team comprised of physicians specializing in their care,
prosthetists, and therapists. For a successful functional outcome, the
rehabilitation team will need to consider the goals of the child and parents as
they select appropriate components that will aid and not overwhelm the child.
The prosthesis will need to accommodate growth and development and withstand
the rigors of use during play. The child will benefit from a team approach to
introduce, train, and problem-solve the process of prosthetic restoration. We
examine strategies for decision making for children with upper extremity limb
deletions that will allow appropriate component selection to ensure the
prosthesis will be accepted and improve function for the child.
