Perspectives and Requirements for Upper Limb Prosthetics in Children and Adolescents

Overview

This study investigates the needs and perceptions of children and adolescents with upper limb differences (ULDs) in Nigeria regarding upper limb prosthetics (ULPs).

Background

Upper limb differences (ULDs) can lead to significant physical and psychosocial challenges during childhood. Many children with ULDs do not utilize prosthetics due to a lack of perceived need or functionality, as indicated by existing literature. Understanding the perspectives of these children is crucial for developing effective prosthetic solutions, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to services is limited.

Data Highlights

No numerical data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• Children with congenital below-elbow differences often reject prostheses due to retained near-typical function.
• Prosthetic solutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are often based on data from high-income countries (HICs), limiting their applicability.
• Qualitative research is needed to explore the lived experiences of children with ULDs in LMICs.
• Key factors influencing ULP use include functionality, affordability, and durability.
• Most children with ULDs reside in LMICs, where access to prosthetic services is limited.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider the unique needs and preferences of children with ULDs when designing prosthetic solutions.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the necessity of understanding the perspectives of children with ULDs.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frequency and Management of Secondary Deformities Following Megaendoprosthetic Replacement of the Proximal Femur in Pediatric Bone Sarcoma Patients, Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2024 -- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00402-024-05334-1
2. Anatomical Feasibility Study of Autologous Radial Head Replacement: Comparing Proximal Fibula and Second Metatarsal Base Options, Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2022 -- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00402-022-04460-y
3. Evaluation of Blade Plate Retention Versus Removal on Bone Remodelling in Children After Proximal Femoral Osteotomy, Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2025 -- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00402-025-06058-6
4. The Oberg, Manske, and Tonkin Classification of Congenital Upper Limb Anomalies: A Consensus Decision-Making Study for Difficult or Unclassifiable Cases, PubMed, 2023 -- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36089550/?utm_source=openai
5. ISO 8548-3:2025 - Residual Limb Description After Upper Limb, Standards, 2025 -- https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/iso/dbcf9f3b-9602-4e4e-88c6-fc2c41cff0b4/iso-8548-3-2025?utm_source=openai
6. ICHOM | Congenital Upper Limb Anomalies Standard Set, ICHOM, 2023 -- https://www.ichom.org/patient-centered-outcome-measure/congenital-upper-limb-anomalies/?utm_source=openai
7. Frequency and Management of Secondary Deformities Following Megaendoprosthetic Replacement of the Proximal Femur in Pediatric Bone Sarcoma Patients
8. Anatomical Feasibility Study of Autologous Radial Head Replacement: Comparing Proximal Fibula and Second Metatarsal Base Options
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13. The Oberg, Manske, and Tonkin Classification of Congenital Upper Limb Anomalies: A Consensus Decision-Making Study for Difficult or Unclassifiable Cases
14. ISO 8548-3:2025 - Residual Limb Description After Upper Limb
15. ICHOM | Congenital Upper Limb Anomalies Standard Set
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