Needs and Perspectives on Upper Limb Prostheses Among Children and Adolescents With Upper Limb Differences
Clinical Scorecard: Perspectives and Requirements for Upper Limb Prosthetics in Children and Adolescents with Limb Differences
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Upper Limb Differences (ULDs) |
| Key Mechanisms | Absence or malformation of an upper extremity segment, which may be congenital or acquired. |
| Target Population | Children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years with ULDs in low- and middle-income countries. |
| Care Setting | Pediatric prosthetic services in Nigeria. |
Key Highlights
- Upper limb prostheses (ULPs) can mitigate physical and psychosocial challenges associated with ULDs.
- A user-centered approach to prosthetic design is essential to meet children's needs and preferences.
- Most children with ULDs reside in low- and middle-income countries where access to services is limited.
- Qualitative research is needed to explore the lived experiences of children with ULDs in their sociocultural context.
- Activity-specific prostheses are preferred due to high rates of prosthesis rejection among children.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of ULDs should consider both congenital and acquired causes.
Management
- Provide ULPs that restore function and appearance based on user preferences.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Assess end-user preferences and satisfaction with prosthetic devices regularly.
Risks
- Consider the psychosocial impact of ULDs and the potential for prosthesis rejection.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children and adolescents with ULDs enrolled in prosthetic programs.
Focus on functionality, affordability, and durability in prosthetic design.
Clinical Best Practices
- Engage children in the design process of prosthetics to enhance acceptance.
- Utilize qualitative methods to understand the needs and experiences of children with ULDs.
- Ensure access to prosthetic services in low- and middle-income countries.
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