Myoelectric hand prostheses in very young children
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Marcus Egermann1, Philip Kasten, Marc Thomsen
1Stiftung Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany. marcus.egermann@ok.uni-heidelberg.de
Insights
Preschool children with upper limb differences can benefit from myoelectric prostheses. Factors like amputation level and occupational therapy training significantly impact acceptance, with low dropout rates in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Prosthetics and orthotics
Background:
- Myoelectric prostheses are typically for adults, but smaller devices now allow use in young children.
- Previous research on myoelectric prosthesis acceptance in preschool children is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acceptance and usability of myoelectric prostheses in children aged two to five years with unilateral upper limb deficiency.
- To identify factors influencing prosthesis acceptance in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 41 preschool children (ages 2-5) with unilateral upper limb deficiency.
- Data collected on prosthesis usage duration, amputation level, and occupational therapy intervention.
- Analysis of acceptance rates and influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Children used the myoelectric prosthesis for an average of 5.8 hours daily.
- Amputation level significantly influenced prosthesis acceptance.
- Intensive occupational therapy training was positively correlated with successful prosthetic use.
- Preschool children exhibited a very low dropout rate compared to adults.
Conclusions:
- Infants and preschool children can successfully use and benefit from myoelectric hand prostheses.
- Correct indication and comprehensive training programs are crucial for high acceptance rates.
- Specialized centers with interdisciplinary teams are recommended for introducing myoelectric prostheses to young children.
Abstract:
Myoelectric prostheses have generally been provided for adolescent or adult patients. The availability of smaller-sized electric hands has enabled the introduction of myoelectric prostheses to preschool children, mainly in the Scandinavian countries. This study evaluates the acceptance of myoelectric prostheses in 41 children with unilateral upper limb deficiency between the ages of two and five years. The prosthesis was used for an average time of 5.8 hours per day. The level of amputation was found to influence the acceptance rate. Furthermore, prosthetic use training by an occupational therapist is related to successful use of the prosthesis. The general drop-out rate in preschool children is very low compared to adults. Therefore, infants can profit from myoelectric hand prostheses. Since a correct indication and an intense training program significantly influence the acceptance rate, introduction of myoelectric prostheses to preschool children should take place at specialised centres with an interdisciplinary team.
