Prostheses and Rehabilitation Principles in Pediatric Limb Deficiency

Pediatric limb loss or limb deficiency is uncommon in the United Sates occurring 1 per 1943 live births per year, with a ratio of 2:1 upper to lower extremity.¹ Causes include congenital limb deficiency, and less frequently, limb loss secondary to trauma, cancer, or other illnesses. Vascular disruption, particularly as seen in amniotic band syndrome, stands as the leading suspect in the multifaceted and intricate causes of congenital limb loss. Children with limb difference and deficiency present unique medical and rehabilitation challenges. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians are uniquely equipped to navigate these complexities. Prosthetic prescription and fabrication for children require balancing scientific principles with individual needs. A "one-size-fits-all" approach is ineffective. Many diverse factors impact prosthetic prescription and fabrication, including amputation level, residual limb characteristics, cognitive/developmental age, family goals, financial resources, and medical literacy.