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Needs and Perspectives on Upper Limb Prostheses Among Children and Adolescents With Upper Limb Differences
Kevin Wendo1,2,3, Crystal Chigbu4, Obafemi Ekundayo5
1Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Department of Pediatrics, Brussels, Belgium.
JAMA Network Open
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Children and adolescents with upper limb differences in Nigeria need active, anthropomorphic, and sturdy upper limb prostheses (ULPs). These devices should enhance functionality and psychosocial well-being for better peer engagement.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Biomedical engineering
- Pediatric orthopedics
Background:
- Limited access to prosthetic care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) impedes development in children with upper limb differences.
- Pediatric upper limb prostheses (ULPs) suitability and user needs in LMICs are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the needs, expectations, and perceptions of Nigerian children and adolescents with upper limb differences regarding ULPs.
- To inform the development of context-specific prosthetic solutions.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 25 Nigerian children and adolescents (ages 5-20) with upper limb differences.
- Semistructured interviews and focus groups conducted in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Thematic analysis of interview and focus group transcripts.
Main Results:
- Identified key themes regarding ideal ULP technical specifications: functionality, active use, terminal device effectiveness, component quality, comfort, and anthropomorphism (shape/color).
- Highlighted psychosocial impacts on self-concept and social interactions as crucial for ULP acceptance.
- Children desire active, anthropomorphic, and sturdy ULPs for active peer engagement.
Conclusions:
- Findings provide insights into pediatric ULP requirements within a specific sociocultural context.
- Emphasizes the need for ULPs that address both functional and psychosocial needs.
- Recommendations for developing environment-specific pediatric ULPs incorporating user perspectives.
