Use of Powered Prosthesis for Children with Upper Limb Deficiency at Hyogo Rehabilitation Center

BACKGROUND: There has been no research investigating the use of powered prosthetic for children in Japan. OBJECTIVE: To gain better insight into the state of powered prosthesis usage and identify a ratio of rejection among children. METHODS: Subjects were 37 unilateral below elbow amputees between the ages of 0 and 16 at the time of their first experienced fitting with a powered prosthesis at our Center. The information was collected from medical records and through face-to-face interviews, and we examined rejection rate and the factors affecting the use of powered prosthesis. RESULTS: The rate of discontinuation was 21.6% as 8 of the 37 children stopped using powered prosthesis. All of them were fitted their prosthesis after 2 years of age, and they rejected prosthesis between 5 to 19 years. We found that the level of amputation had no influence on the use of a powered prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Children fitted before 2 years of age tend to accept their powered prosthesis than those fitted after 2 years. Multidisciprinary team approach, adequate rehabilitation, detailed follow-up and involvement of parents are quite important for introducing powered prosthesis for children.