Middle-aged individuals with thalidomide embryopathy have undergone few surgical limb procedures and demonstrate a high degree of physical independence

BACKGROUND: Thalidomide is known to have induced thalidomide embryopathy (TE) in more than 10,000 live-born children worldwide between 1957–1962. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the need for orthopaedic surgery and limb orthosis in relation to function and physical independence in middle-aged individuals with TE. METHODS: 13 women/18 men with a mean age of 45.8 (SD 1.1) years were included. Information about limb surgery, the use of orthotic devices, jobs, accommodation, disability adjustments and personal assistants was collected. Physical function was measured by a modified general function score. The time needed for activities of daily living (ADL) was collected. Individuals with proximal focal femoral deficiency, PFFD, and participants in need of home or work adaptations were compared with the rest of the group. RESULT: 31 surgical procedures had been performed in the extremities. Three individuals were in need of personal assistance and seven had disability-adjusted homes. 28 individuals were working and 24 reported participation in exercises. Those with PFFD had significantly lower function score and needed a significantly longer time for ADL in the morning (p = 0.001 and p = 0.032). The group in need of home or work adjustments had significantly lower function score and needed longer time for morning ADL (p = 0.012 and p = 0.009). DISCUSSION: Few orthopaedic procedures had been performed. The TE individuals except the ones with PFFD and those in the need of disability adjustments, were mostly active workers, reported good physical function and participated in exercises, despite limb malformations.