Author/Editor		Burger, Helena; Burgar, Matej; Brezovar, Darinka
Title		The use of prostheses for children with congenital deficiences of upper limbs
Type		članek
Source		Assist Technol Res Ser
Vol. and No.		Letnik 10
Publication year		2001
Volume		str. 384-8
Language		eng
Abstract		The aim of the present study was to find out which types of prosthetic hands are preferred by children and which factors influence their use of prostheses. Twenty-eight children with congenital deficiencies of upper limbs visiting our clinic were included in the study. Two had a partial hand amputation, twenty-one a transradial amputation, two had a trans-humeral amputation and two had amputations of both upper limbs. A standard questionnaire was asked and a form filled in at each visit. All except for two children were fitted with a prosthesis. Two children rejected all types of prostheses. Among 23 children who used their prosthesis, 12 used it all day, 8 used it four to seven hours per day and 3 used it up to four hours per day. Six children tried new types of prosthetic hands. Four rejected the new type of hand. It was found out that the most important factors influencing the use of the prosthesis were the level of amputation, the stump quality, cooperation of parents and their acceptance of the prosthesis, the time of the first prosthetic fitting and appropriate technology.
Descriptors		ARM ORTHOTIC DEVICES AMPUTATION CHILD